logo
Lightning strikes as YesPlay player scoops R577,620 from R180 bet

Lightning strikes as YesPlay player scoops R577,620 from R180 bet

IOL News09-05-2025

Experience the thrill of online gaming as a YesPlay player strikes it rich, winning R577,620 from a mere R180 bet on Pragmatic Play's Gates of Olympus slot.
Zeus, the mighty Greek god of thunder, has bestowed his divine favour upon one incredibly fortunate YesPlay player, delivering a staggering R577,620 payout from a R180 stake on Pragmatic Play's electrifying slot, Gates of Olympus.
The astronomical win unfolded during the game's coveted Free Spins feature, where lightning quite literally struck not once, not twice, but four times in a single tumble. On just the fourth spin of fifteen awarded free spins, the heavens opened as Zeus unleashed his legendary multiplier power with consecutive strikes of 4x, 6x, and then an incredible 250x appearing three times in rapid succession.
This divine intervention created a monumental 760x combined multiplier that transformed what would have been an ordinary tumble into an eye-watering R471,960 win in one breathtaking moment.
"We're absolutely thrilled for our player," said Peter G. Head of CRM, at YesPlay. "This is exactly the kind of life-changing moment that makes online gaming so exciting. Zeus certainly showed his generous side in this extraordinary session."
The celestial drama didn't end there. Throughout the remaining free spins, Zeus continued to tease with another 500x multiplier appearing during various non-winning tumbles, building anticipation for what might come next. By the conclusion of the fifteenth spin, the player had amassed a monumental R577,620 total win—all from an initial R180 wager.
This represents one of the most phenomenal multiplier wins on YesPlay's platform this year, with the 3,209x return showcasing the phenomenal potential of Pragmatic Play's mythological masterpiece.
YesPlay continues to cement its reputation as South Africa's premier destination for online gaming thrills, with this win following a series of significant payouts across their diverse portfolio of world-class games.
About YesPlay
YesPlay is a premier online gaming platform offering a wide range of casino games and sports betting options. Licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, YesPlay is committed to providing a safe, fair, and enjoyable gaming experience for players across South Africa.
For more information about YesPlay and its exciting game offerings, visit YesPlay.bet
Note: YesPlay promotes responsible gaming. Please play responsibly.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Parktown North comedian Costa Carastavrakis brings new show to Melrose Arch
Parktown North comedian Costa Carastavrakis brings new show to Melrose Arch

The Citizen

time21-05-2025

  • The Citizen

Parktown North comedian Costa Carastavrakis brings new show to Melrose Arch

Costa Carastavrakis, a proudly local voice from Parktown North, is set to light up the stage at Melrose Arch with his bold new comedy show, Costa's Corner Kefi. Known for blending razor-sharp wit with cultural storytelling, Costa returns to the spotlight following the international success of his debut, Desperately Seeking Souvlaki. This time, he's serving up bigger laughs, deeper reflections, and the same signature charm that earned him fans at home and abroad. Carastavrakis' path to the comedy stage wasn't conventional. He found his comedic voice in his 40s, after a career that spanned corporate work, acting, writing, and a profound personal journey through addiction and recovery. His story is raw, real, and inspiring – laid bare in his memoir I Am Costa: From Meth to Marathons. For Carastavrakis, stand-up became a lifeline and a way to transform pain into punchlines. 'With proper and thorough healing, I can now make myself laugh at some of it and make others see that true healing is possible if you do the work,' he shared. Read more: Kabomo to treat audience to a night of comedy and music What began as a quiet passion quickly evolved into a calling. Today, his comedy is a captivating blend of personal anecdotes and hilarious cultural insights – a heartfelt, humorous lens into life as a Greek South African. His new show leans into this strength, inviting audiences into the delightful madness of sprawling family dynamics, fierce cultural pride, and the quirks of everyday life in Joburg. Despite his deep Greek roots, Carastavrakis' stories resonate across cultures. Whether he's recounting tales of stubborn aunties, over-the-top family dinners, or community chaos, there's a warm, familiar truth in every bit. His humour has connected with audiences in New York, Athens, Kuala Lumpur and beyond, proving that laughter is a universal language. 'People love South Africans,' he joked, 'and they love feta cheese, so my comedy's easy to digest.' Carastavrakis writes from instinct, constantly developing new material from life's little absurdities. In a country where formal comedy circuits can be limited, he trusts his gut and lets his lived experience lead the way. His ability to find light in dark places, especially in stories of addiction and recovery, gives his comedy both heart and heft. 'Humour and tragedy live side by side. And I've learnt how to dance between the two.' Also read: A celebration of uniquely South African comedy When he's off-stage, Carastavrakis finds inspiration in the streets of Rosebank, where he often people-watches for material. From overheard conversations to the theatrics of everyday city life, everything becomes potential fodder for his next big laugh. Costa's Corner Kefi promises more than just a comedy set, it's a celebration of resilience, culture, and the wonderfully chaotic ride of being human. Loud, relatable, and brimming with heart, this is Joburg comedy with a Greek twist, and your nosiest auntie is more than welcome. Show Details: Costa's Corner Kefi – A Greek Comedy Feast Venue: Melrose Arch Fire and Ice Hotel, Johannesburg Dates: Friday, May 23 at 19:30 Saturday, May 24 at 19:30 Sunday, May 25 at 16:00 Tickets: R220 at (Search: 'COSTA') Age Restriction: 16+ Instagram and TikTok: @costacomedian Ticket enquiries: Email: costa@ Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Get ready to laugh it off with the best of local comedy At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Recipe of the day: Open party pies
Recipe of the day: Open party pies

The Citizen

time16-05-2025

  • The Citizen

Recipe of the day: Open party pies

Looking for a delightful snack for your next gathering? Try these open party pies! They are easy to make and perfect for entertaining. Preparing Open Party Pies is a fantastic way to get creative in the kitchen. You can experiment with seasonings and ingredients, like adding cheese or herbs for an extra flavour punch. Serve them warm alongside dipping sauces like sweet chilli or tangy barbecue, and watch as your guests devour them! Perfect for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, or casual get-togethers, Open Party Pies are sure to become a staple in your entertaining repertoire. Enjoy the compliments as everyone savours each delightful bite. ALSO READ: Recipe of the day: Roasted hake on tomato and mushroom lentils Open Party Pies A delicious Portabellini mushroom and asparagus open pie to have while entertaining friends and family. Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Course: Snack Cuisine: Greek Serves 8, open pies Ingredients Béchamel: 250 ml full-cream milk 30 g butter 20 g flour 1 large pinch of salt 1 tsp mustard powder 1 sprinkle of ground nutmeg Pies: 2 250g puff pastry sheets 100 g pancetta, sliced in half 150 g asparagus spears 250 g baby Portabellini or baby button mushrooms, sliced in half 40 g Parmesan cheese, grated 1 large egg, beaten, for egg wash olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions For the béchamel: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk. (Do not let any evaporate) In a second slightly larger saucepan, melt the butter. When melted, add the flour. Whisking constantly, cook for about 2 minutes. The mixture should not darken but turn a very light golden and smell like biscuits. Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk. (Do not let any evaporate) In a second slightly larger saucepan, melt the butter. When melted, add the flour. Whisking constantly, cook for about 2 minutes. The mixture should not darken but turn a very light golden and smell like biscuits. Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Season generously with salt and add the mustard powder and nutmeg to taste. Pour into a bowl and cover with cling film on the surface to avoid creating a skin. Set aside in the fridge. For the pies: Preheat oven to 200˚C. Line a baking tray with baking paper . Preheat oven to 200˚C. Line a baking tray with baking paper . Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan. Sauté the mushrooms on high heat until golden brown. Season lightly and remove from the heat . Thaw the puff pastry and cut each sheet into quarters so you have 8 squares. Place them diagonally so they look diamond-shaped on the lined tray. Spread a good dollop of béchamel on each piece of pastry, spreading it from the bottom corner to the top corner. Follow with a few pieces of pancetta and two spears of asparagus. Dot the cooked mushrooms over each piece. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Fold up the two side corners and seal them using a little bit of water on your fingertips. Egg wash the open pies and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with some lightly dressed microgreens and enjoy! Recipe supplied by

Local author Monique Robin Ackers launches powerful memoir on addiction and redemption
Local author Monique Robin Ackers launches powerful memoir on addiction and redemption

IOL News

time16-05-2025

  • IOL News

Local author Monique Robin Ackers launches powerful memoir on addiction and redemption

Monique Robin Ackers' debut memoir, I Survive to Tell My Story: A Mother's Journey from Drugs to Redemption, reveals her harrowing battle with addiction and the transformative power of faith. Image: Supplied Monique Robin Ackers, a valued team member at YesPlay, has released her debut memoir I Survive to Tell My Story: A Mother's Journey from Drugs to Redemption, which chronicles her remarkable journey from the depths of addiction to spiritual redemption. The book, which launched on April 3, at Exclusive Books in the V&A Waterfront, offers readers an unflinchingly honest account of Ackers' struggles with substance abuse following the devastating loss of her father when he was just 42 years old. "I never thought I would lose my dad at such an early age," Ackers revealed during a recent interview. "While I don't blame his death for my choices, it triggered a rebellious phase where I turned to drugs to cope with the grief." What sets Ackers' story apart is not just the candid portrayal of her descent into addiction, but the powerful narrative of recovery that she attributes entirely to her faith. After experiencing a life-threatening heart attack that served as her wake-up call, Ackers embarked on a spiritual journey that ultimately led to her sobriety. "Rehab's not going to help—you're going to come out of rehab and go do it again," Ackers states with conviction. "Allow God into your life, and He will help you. You don't need to wait for something big to happen." The memoir also highlights the crucial role that Ackers' mother played in her recovery. Even when doctors were doubtful about her survival, her mother maintained unwavering faith, insisting: "My child's going to make it." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading In a remarkable testament to the therapeutic power of writing, Ackers penned her entire memoir in a single 12-hour session. "I wrote my pain empty," she explains. "It helped me so much." Through her book, Ackers hopes to reach others struggling with addiction. "If I can help just one person, it will mean a lot," she says. "I hope they read my book and realise this is not who they want to be or how they want to live." I Survive to Tell My Story: A Mother's Journey from Drugs to Redemption is priced at R250 and is now available for purchase at leading book stores. Tania Johnson, HR Manager at YesPlay, expressed the company's pride in Ackers' achievement: "We are immensely proud of Monique's courage and determination in sharing her story with the world," says Johnson. "Her journey from darkness to light is not just personally inspiring but resonates deeply with anyone who has faced seemingly insurmountable challenges. This book stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit. Everyone at YesPlay has been moved by Monique's authenticity and strength, and we believe her message will touch countless lives.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store