by Elmets Communications
Lincoln, CA - Dennis Shields wanted to show his mother, visiting
from Tennessee, just how classy California casinos are. During their
December 14 visit to Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln, chosen by
Shields for its Vegas-like appeal, Shields was also able to show his
mother how to become an instant millionaire.
Shields was playing the $5 Wheel of Fortune ® machine when he hit
the jackpot, making him $1,004,038 richer. He had invested $180 when
lady luck struck.
"Once the three logos lined up, I was in shock, but nothing was
happening and the machine was silent," said Shields. "Once the
attendant arrived, I realized I'd won a million dollars. I tried to
call my wife, who was in total disbelief, but she finally came over to
see what I'd won."
Shields, a 43 year-old real estate agent, plans to continue working
at his current job.
"On behalf of the Casino team members, a huge 'congratulations' to
Mr. Shields," said Thunder Valley Casino General Manager Scott
Garawitz. "This is just another great example of all the exciting
possibilities for our patrons here at Thunder Valley."
Thunder Valley Casino, a 200,000-square-foot, $215 million casino,
entertainment and dining complex owned by the United Auburn Indian
Community, opened in June 2003. Located 30 miles east of Sacramento, it
is Northern California's first casino offering all the elements of real
Las Vegas-style gaming: service, cuisine and entertainment in an
attractive, quality facility. Thunder Valley Casino offers
approximately 2,700 slot and video machines, 100 table games, a
500-seat buffet, food court, Thunder Caf é and Austins Steakhouse. Also
on property is the Falls Bar and parking for 3,300 vehicles.
Wheel of Fortune ® was developed by IGT of Reno, Nev., a world
leader in the manufacturing of gaming machines and proprietary software
for progressive gaming systems. Sodak Gaming Inc. is the leading
distributor of IGT slot machines and progressive systems on tribal
lands and manages sales and service to Indian Country from its
headquarters in Rapid City, South Dakota. All IGT MegaJackpotsTM top
awards are paid in annual installments upon verification, except
MegaJackpots Instant Winners JackpotsTM and Rapid Riches MegaJackpotsTM
awards, which are paid in their entirety upon verification. For more
information on IGT, visit the company Web site at www.IGT.com.
