Melissa, a mom from Prosper, didn’t expect to leave Oklahoma a millionaire. But that’s exactly what happened early Sunday morning at Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant. While celebrating her son’s birthday, Melissa’s name was called as the latest winner in the casino’s summer-long 3 Months. 3 Millionaires promotion.
“I didn’t believe it when they called my name,” Melissa said in an official statement. “It’s very surreal.”
She now becomes the eighth North Texan to win $1 million since the launch of the program in 2023 and the second of this summer’s three winners.
A Birthday Trip Turns Life-Changing
Melissa and her family had headed to Choctaw for a weekend celebration. While most birthday outings end with cake and presents, this one came with confetti and a check. Melissa says she plans to use the money to help her youngest son finish college, make a few smart investments and, if things go according to plan, give her husband a chance to finally retire and play more golf.
The surprise doesn’t stop with Melissa’s prize. As part of this year’s effort to give back, Choctaw Casino & Resort will donate $10,000 to a Prosper-area nonprofit of her choosing. The gift is part of the casino’s initiative to support the hometowns of its winners.
“We’re changing the lives of our guests, and this year we’re going even farther by trying to change their communities for the better,” said Jeff Penz, senior director of gaming and hospitality at Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, in an official statement.
The first summer winner was Fuong H., a retiree from Garland. The final $1 million drawing will take place on Aug. 2 at 1 a.m., and guests must be present to win.
More Than a Casino
Located just over an hour from Dallas-Fort Worth, Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant is a massive entertainment hub featuring more than 7,400 slot machines, 100,000 square feet of event space, 1,600 hotel rooms, 20 restaurants, a spa, a movie theater and a water park. There’s even a 20-lane bowling alley and an RV park across the street.
For more information on the promotion, visit choctawcasinos.com.
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