East Texas

SHREVEPORT, La. – Melissa Gail Ray, a 43-year-old air conditioning brazier, from Jacksonville hit a $2,158,363 statewide progressive MegaJackpot Wednesday afternoon while playing a popular Wheel of Fortune Special Edition MegaJackpot nickels slot machine at the Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport.

According to an Eldorado press release, Ray was visiting the Eldo Casino after deciding that she needed a “play day,” for fun and relaxation. She chose the machine because it was the only one open and Wheel of Fortune is one of her favorite games.

Ray talked to the machine and rubbed her hands over it for good luck. After playing $177, her luck paid off, hitting the statewide progressive, the press release said.

“I just thought, oh my gosh, what does this mean,” Ray was quoted as saying, after IGT Technicians and Louisiana State Police verified the MegaJackpot. “Did I win or what?! I couldn’t believe my own good luck!”

According to the prepared statement, Ray plans to continue working at her present job and will put her winnings towards paying off her car and 4-wheeler.

The winner builds air conditioning units for a major manufacturer in Tyler, Eldorado Public Relations Manager Leslie Peck said.

Ms. Peck said the woman was thrilled and that she had no plans for the money aside from paying off her car. The woman will receive undetermined payments over a 20- year period, she said. Ms. Peck said the jackpot was one of the largest payouts for the Eldorado in two years.

Updated Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. CDT