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Isle of Man – Microgaming and Betway secure biggest online jackpot

By Phil - 11 December 2015

Betway and Microgaming have been confirmed as world record holders by the prestigious Guinness World Records organisation, following a rigorous approval process.

The online bookmaker and games provider can now claim to have officially awarded the ‘largest jackpot payout in an online slot machine game’ ever.

The €17,879,645.12 (£13,213,838.68) jackpot was paid out in October to Cheshire soldier Jon Heywood via Microgaming’s Mega Moolah online slot on Betway.com. It beat the previous record, set in Finland in 2013, by almost €18,000.

Betway and software provider Microgaming submitted exhaustive evidence to Guinness World Records, including ratification from online gaming authority eCOGRA, to prove the legitimacy of the jackpot. They will share the record with winner Heywood.

The win turned the 26-year-old squaddie into an overnight mega millionaire after he deposited £30 and placed just 25p bets. The winning spin came after only seven minutes.

Betway spokesman Alan Alger said: “Guinness World Records is the most respected adjudicator of world records on the planet and this proves beyond doubt that Betway hands out the biggest jackpots to their players. Having the record is a great honour, however the main point is that we keep changing the lives of players just like Jon, who won this huge jackpot in minutes and from just a 25p spin.”

A spokesperson for Guinness World Records commented: “I’m pleased to confirm that the Guinness World Records title for the largest jackpot payout in an online slot machine game is €17,879,645.12, which was won by Jonathan Heywood, while playing Microgaming’s Mega Moolah on Betway’s website. And Jon is certainly in the moolah now, thanks to his exceptional stroke of luck.”

Roger Raatgever, CEO of Microgaming, added: “When news broke about the amazing jackpot win back in October, we were overjoyed. What an incredible and heart-warming story. We’ve achieved many industry records over the years, but to be officially awarded a Guinness World Records title is a special and proud moment for us all. It cements our position in providing the largest and most exciting progressive jackpot network in the industry. We can’t wait to hang the certificate in our office reception.”