Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2005 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – The latest big winner at Tahlequah Cherokee Casino took home more than $72,000. Mary Kay Nelson, of the Fort Gibson Lake area, and her husband Preston were playing their favorite $5 machines last week when she decided to try something new – a penny machine.
Mary Kay Nelson holds her winnings after hitting the jackpot at Tahlequah Cherokee Casino. 
Mary Kay sat down at the “Lightning Double Strike” machine, running her amount down to just over $4, when luck struck.
"I was dumbfounded", Mary Kay said.
It was her first time on Lightning Double Strike and she never expected to win that big, she said. In fact, she had earlier teased her husband that she was going to jackpot not realizing just moments later her statement would become reality.
"I was just teasing him and then, suddenly realizing the machine had hit the jackpot, said, ‘it’s me, it’s me!," she said. Mary Kay and Preston have been playing at Tahlequah Cherokee Casino since it’s opening last year. Mary Kay said she’s played everywhere, but her favorite casino is Cherokee in Tahlequah. "I’ve always done well here", Mary Kay said. "I usually play the five dollar machines but just happened to try the penny machine this time." General Manager Sean Walkingstick and Shift Manager Shelly Rogers presented Mary Kay with her check on Friday, Nov. 18. She has big plans for her money. She’s going to buy a new car to start with, and then plans a trip to Las Vegas for herself and Preston. She has never been to Vegas and wants to see what it’s like, she said. "It really hasn’t sunk in yet", Mary Kay said. "I’ve won before, but this –this is a win!"
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |