Posted on Wed, Jan. 19, 2005

KC's mystery man: He's shy, he's lucky and he's very rich

By RICK ALM

The Kansas City Star

Kansas City has a new millionaire, but we may never know his name.

A lucky but mysterious middle-aged man last week won the largest slot jackpot in state history, $10.4 million, at Harrah's North Kansas City Casino & Hotel.

Harrah's officials said Tuesday that casino officials had made no formal announcement because they had been trying to persuade the man to participate in publicity.

Although his reticence has stalled formal announcement of the jackpot, area slot players have been chattering about him.

The man, described as a Kansas City resident older than 50, had put less than $100 into the MegaJackpots progressive $1 Wheel of Fortune game last Wednesday evening when the correct symbols lined up.

International Game Technology developed MegaJackpots. Spokesman Rick Sorensen confirmed Tuesday that the $10.4 million jackpot was the state's biggest slot prize. Winnings will be paid out in 20 equal installments, before taxes, of around $500,000 a year.