Mars Attacks … and rewards!

Valentine’s Day, 2019, proved to be just another day at work for Northern Irish chef Sean Doyle, but for the fact that he was €4.86 million richer. The previous day, Doyle, 33, had staked €10 on ‘Mars Attacks!’ – a 5×3-reel online slot featuring the so-called ‘Jackpot King Deluxe’ progressive jackpot system – on Paddy Power Games and won what turned out to be the highest online payout in the history of Ireland’s biggest bookmaker.

Reflecting on how he discovered the extent of his windfall, Doyle said, ‘I watched it [the progressive jackpot] until it reached about €1.14 million on the count thing and I switched off my phone. I couldn’t look. When I got home I couldn’t believe my eyes after I saw the final amount!’ Nevertheless, he still turned up for work, at The Artisan Cookhouse in Stangford, Co. Down, the following morning.

A relative newcomer to online gambling, Doyle vowed to share his winnings with his family, as well as investing in his own business. He said, ‘You wouldn’t believe the amount [sic] of people’s lives I’m going to change with this win. My sister is a single parent in New Zealand with three kids so I’m delighted because this means I will be able to help her out.’

Mike Phelan, Commercial Director at Paddy Power Games, was in congratulatory mood, but also keen to promote the benefits of the recently revised progressive jackpot system for all concerned. He said, ‘Jackpot King allows our players to win staggering amounts of money at the spin of a reel, while also raising excitement levels and delivering increased revenues.’