Edmonton Step-Mom Steals $892k Jackpot from American Son.
Written by Jessica Tyler DailyDysh
Two months after an American won $892,930 on vacation in Edmonton, Canada key questions remain as the winner, Charles Monihan, looks to collect his stolen winnings from his Step-Mom.
On February 20 Charles Monihan was waiting for his wife and two kids to get ready for ice skating at West Edmonton Mall. They were visiting Edmonton for 5 days where his late-father's second wife, Mary Monihan, had moved 10 years prior.
While waiting, Charles opened his iPhone and came across an ad promoting Zodiac Casino, an online gambling site in Canada, which was offering 80 promotional spins at their progressive jackpot for just $1 CAD. Excited that you could legally gamble online in Canada Charles quickly started to play to pass the time.
On just his 4th spin of 80 he won the jackpot of $892,930. And that's when the drama started.
"I was scared to drop my phone" said Charles when asked about his initial reaction. "Then I texted my wife in the hotel room to tell her what happened. She thought it was a ploy to get her to hurry up with the kids!"
The screen on Charles phone gave a number at Zodiac Casino to call; the friendly agent congratulated him on his winnings and inquired about his identity details. Worried that the jackpot would be voided if he was an American in addition to the huge tax liability, he said that the winner was actually his Step-Mom, Mary Monihan of Edmonton, and gave her contact details as the winning player. That's when the trouble started.
After lots of celebratory dancing and hugging, Charles and his wife spoke with his step-Mom about the jackpot and they all agreed the check could be sent to Mary to avoid the taxes. They would then use the proceeds to buy a family cottage in Quebec.
But after the check was received and deposited, Mary Monihan disappeared. "She changed her cell-phone number, doesn't respond to emails and has moved from her small studio in Edmonton" explained Charles' disgruntled wife. "At first we thought something happened and without much assistance from the local police we hired a private investigator." At this point the private investigator has been unable to find her whereabouts besides a couple credit card charges at the Four Seasons in Maui.
Mary's precise location is still unknown and the investigation is still pending. We will continue coverage on this story as it develops.
UPDATE: Upon news of this story Zodiac Casino has offered to extend the Promotional Giveaway of 80 Spins at the Progressive Jackpot over $6 million for $1. This is the same promo Charles used to win $892,930 in less than two minutes. You can redeem your spins by clicking here.
