Have you ever won anything exciting? (And a true story about a big Vegas win)

This week I got an email announcing that the annual McDonald’s Monopoly game is back – collect all the necessary game pieces and you could win a car, luxury vacation, $5000 Walmart gift card, a free Redbox rental, and more.

All I’ve ever won with those games is a free drink or sandwich – what about you?

A Vegas Story

Seven years ago Jeremy and I went to Las Vegas for a convention. We don’t gamble, but one evening we went to Circus Circus with Jeremy’s boss. His boss put a $10 bill into a 25¢ slot machine, pressed “maximum bet”…

…and won a BMW Z4 convertible.

How often do you hear about that happening, much less have it happen to someone you’re standing right next to?! Pretty cool, though still absolutely no reason to throw money away using the slot machine as a trash can! ;)

Within 15 minutes of winning, he had a 1099 in hand (before they even gave him the car or the keys!), so of course the “free” car wasn’t really free since you have to pay taxes on prize earnings.  Taxes on a $45,000+ car are not cheap!

I’m not sure there’s a less-frugal way to spend money than gambling, but it’s cool to have seen someone else win. ;)

Lottery Tickets versus Catalina Coupons

I wanted to cry the one time I saw an abandoned catalina for $2 on your next order lying on top of the Powerball stand at King Soopers.  Someone evidently bought a lottery ticket and left what amounts to $2 cash sitting there.  Ack, buy a ticket for a one-in-a-million chance to win and lose $2 worth of groceries in the process!

What’s Your Amazing Winning Story?

Enough of my rambling.  Who’s won something really awesome in a giveaway, drawing, or sweepstakes?