Sikeston resident wins big

SIKESTON -- A Sikeston grandmother won $1 million from a promotional drawing Sunday at Harrah's Casino in Metropolis, Ill.

Patsy Wise of Sikeston won the seven-figure prize during the casino company's "3 Million on the House" promotion.

Wise found out she was the $1 million cash winner during the promotion's live video simulcast drawing Sunday from Harrah's Rincon Casino and Resort in San Diego.

Wise joins two other winners who were the recipients of 1 million American Airlines AAdvantage miles and 1 million Rewards Credits.

"I told everyone I was coming to Metropolis to win $1 million before I left home," Wise said, who qualified as a semi-finalist just in the last few weeks of the promotion. "And I did!"

Wise arrived in Metropolis for the drawing accompanied by two sisters, two daughters and two nieces. Needless to say, it was pandemonium when the winning number was drawn. One of Wise's daughters said she started screaming the minute she saw the winning number.

"I don't know if I'm numb, but I've been pretty calm all along," Wise said. Harrah's Entertainment Inc. began its "3 Million on the House" themed promotion in May at 26 casinos around the country.

By swiping their Total Rewards cards on designated promotional days, participants were entered for a chance to be selected to enter the "3 Million on the House" drawing that would determine the winners of the $1 million, 1 million Rewards Credits and 1 million American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

All of the participating casinos were able to view the drawing via a live video simulcast from Harrah's Rincon.

Total Rewards is the casino industry's leading player loyalty program, allowing customers to earn and redeem Reward Credits for a wide range of perks at nearly 40 casinos nationwide.

Harrah's Metropolis celebrated Wise's win Monday during a press conference at the casino.

"It could not have happened to a nicer person," said Michael Crider, senior vice president and general manager of Harrah's Metropolis. "We share in her excitement that one of our Harrah's Metropolis players won the $1 million."