by Matthew Nash

Sequim Gazette

With the push of the button, Jaimie Giffen’s life changed in an instant.

The property manager and Sequim resident of four years won more than $1,034,000 on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 7 Cedars Casino. She bet $2.50 at 5:33 p.m. on the Rocky Mountain Gold series, a one-cent video game machine.

Giffen said she was at a VIP event with her sister and they went from the main stage area to take a break and gamble.

“We sat down and put $20 in it and hit the buttons,” she said.

“It’s definitely a miracle. After taxes, it’s a lot. I’m able to pay off my house and my sister’s house and help my family.”

Giffen said the most she’s won at 7 Cedars before was $1,000.

When asked if she had any other big plans, she said she bought a new suitcase on Tuesday for a previously planned vacation to Arizona, her home state.

“The timing couldn’t have been more perfect,” she said.

The casino reports this is the seventh gold series machine to award a top prize in 2011.

Jerry Allen, CEO of 7 Cedars, said that this is the first million-dollar jackpot hit at the casino.

“We couldn’t be happier for Ms. Giffen,” Allen said. “To have a million-dollar winner at our casino is thrilling for our entire organization.”

Giffen said she has no plans to quit her job because she loves it.

For more information on 7 Cedars Casino, call 683-7777.