VIP CASINO: UK's BIGGEST ONLINE JACKPOT WINNER CONFIRMS GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE

2 December 2003 (London) -- Nottinghamshire computer technology advisor, Dan R. (preferring to keep his surname confidential), has won what is believed to be the largest online jackpot ever won by a UK citizen. Dan's 128,126.12 pounds sterling ($220,671.64) jackpot win at website VIP Casino (www.VIPcasino.com) came at 3pm as Dan was experimenting on the popular progressive slot machine "Rags to Riches" with some earlier blackjack winnings.

"I am a blackjack player really," explains Dan, "And after having won a few thousand on blackjack, I decided to try the slots, which is a game I've never earnestly played before. I was spinning the slot reels for just over an hour when the three jackpot symbols lined up! I've only been playing online for three months, and I have only been playing at VIP Casino for a few days. I was shocked, I just couldn't believe it, I told my mum and she didn't believe me until I showed her the screen."

The British government has given the green light to online casino gaming, and has been drafting gaming reform legislation (mentioned in last week's Queen's Speech) that would allow UK casinos to operate online versions of their gaming clubs from UK shores. But even before the UK gives the online go-ahead to its casinos, it has given the go-ahead to its citizens, who play online in record numbers. As online progressive jackpots like VIP Casino's Rags to Riches crack the 100,000 pounds barrier, they compete with the UK National Lottery as the player's chance to win a dream.

What dream is Dan going fulfill with his newfound fortune? "I plan to pay off my student loan and to buy a brand new car. I will invest the rest as a nest egg."

Dan's advice to other players looking to take advantage of the UK's favorable online gaming policy: "I don't have advice on how to improve your luck, but it's true that you can't win if you don't play."