The highlights of 2024

On this first day of 2025, let’s take a look back and recall those moments that really marked the previous year. The year 2024 was rich in emotion, exceptional wins and moments of pure magic. From heartbreaking stories that thrilled us, to record-breaking winnings that changed lives, to the Christmas miracle that warmed hearts in the middle of the festive season – each event leaves an indelible mark on our memories.

Solidarity and an original solution

This year has been marked by trials overcome thanks to solidarity and innovation. Two happy events in particular stood out, illustrating the strength of mutual aid and determination in the face of adversity.

A baker saved by the Casino de Bâle

The story of David Pichot, a baker from Alsace, has touched hearts. Faced with an astronomical electricity bill of €94,000, he had to close his seven bakeries, plunging his business and his employees into a critical situation. Just as hope seemed to be fading, a providential gesture came from the Grand Casino de Bâle, on the other side of the Franco-Swiss border. The establishment offered a donation of €90,000, enabling Mr Pichot to reopen his doors and preserve the jobs of his employees. This gesture, motivated by the casino’s attachment to the local community, embodies exemplary cross-border solidarity. ‘It’s a miracle, they saved our lives,’ said the baker, moved. This unexpected rescue is a reminder that generosity can turn tragedy into rebirth.

A horse farm saved by the opening of a casino

In Arnac-Pompadour, Corrèze, a village famous for its horse breeding centre, another story of hope has emerged. Faced with a drop in public subsidies, the village came up with an original solution to save its equine heritage: the opening of a casino. After years of lobbying, the law was amended to allow such establishments to be set up in towns with national horse-breeding centres. The project, backed by the PVG chain, promises to generate jobs, revitalise the village and finance the upkeep of the equestrian centre. For Alain Tisseuil, mayor of Arnac-Pompadour, this is a historic victory: ‘People thought I was crazy, but look where we are today.’

Stunning shows

During the year, the Belgian casino scene shone with two exceptional shows that captivated spectators and left a lasting impression.

Grand Show Folie Royale

On the one hand, the Grand Show Folie Royale, presented at the Grand Casino in Knokke-Heist, was a real triumph. Backed by Marc Coucke and orchestrated by producer Ben Van den Keybus, this modern show attracted over 8,000 spectators in just a few weeks. Audiences were immersed in an immersive experience combining spectacular acrobatics, sumptuous costumes and rousing music. An exclusive afterparty extended the pleasure after each performance, adding to the festive atmosphere. Marc Coucke hailed the response: ‘The success of this show exceeds our expectations and paves the way for future projects just as ambitious.’

Forever Crazy

Namur also welcomed the famous Parisian cabaret Crazy Horse to the Circus Casino Resort for the first time. For five nights only, spectators were treated to the emblematic Forever Crazy show, a fusion of sensuality and refinement that has made the cabaret world-famous. Philippe Lhomme, CEO of Crazy Horse, expressed his delight at seeing this legendary production finally performed in Belgium, saying: ‘Crazy Horse has a special bond with the Belgian public. This premiere in Namur is a unique moment.’ The captivating choreography and sculptural lighting effects provided an unforgettable experience for all those lucky enough to attend.

These two events not only delighted spectators but also reinforced the appeal of Belgian casinos as leading cultural entertainment venues.

Some unforgettable victories

The year 2024 also saw a number of destinies transformed thanks to exceptional jackpots and winnings. From simple bets that turned into colossal fortunes to draws that changed lives overnight, these stories of extraordinary luck and dreams fulfilled remind us that everything can change in an instant.

Rich in 30 minutes

Damon Howell decided to celebrate his 21st birthday in Las Vegas and try his luck at the casino. His first choice? A version of the famous Ultimate Texas Holdem poker game, which brought him luck! Just 30 minutes after starting to play, the young man won the jackpot of $362,640. For Howel, it was a miracle from heaven.

Unbelievable luck

In April, a couple from Lyon defied the odds by winning the Keno jackpot twice in the same draw organised by La Française des Jeux (FDJ). Each had chosen their own numbers, almost identical with the exception of the last. Against all the odds, their tickets turned out to be winners, enabling them to take home the incredible sum of €3.6 million together.

The couple discovered this exceptional double win thanks to the wife, who quickly realised that both their tickets were winners. Invited to FDJ headquarters, they received their cheques with palpable emotion. Modest despite their sudden fortune, they plan to gradually retire from their professional activities, devoting time to voluntary work and supporting charitable associations.

A winning premonition

After 30 years of playing the same numbers, a resident of Geraardsbergen saw his perseverance unexpectedly rewarded by winning the €3 million Lotto jackpot. However, the secret of his success lay in a last-minute change: on 22 May, he followed a sudden intuition and chose a new combination of numbers. It was a bold choice that paid off.

The winner, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his plans, far from the extravagance often associated with lottery winnings. ‘Helping my family and investing in energy-saving solutions for our home are my priorities,’ he said. His measured approach reflects a desire for security and sustainability for the future.

20$ that change a life

Jerry Hicks, an experienced carpenter from Banner Elk in North Carolina, turned a small stroke of luck into a monumental victory. Finding a $20 note on the ground outside a Speedway shop in Boone, he decided to try his luck with an ‘Extreme Cash’ scratch-off ticket. This spontaneous decision landed him a million dollar jackpot, changing his life in an instant.

After choosing a one-off payout of $600,000 (net of $429,007 after tax), Hicks celebrated the win with simplicity and gratitude. He took his family to dinner at the Golden Corral, marking this extraordinary day with a convivial moment.

Christmas miracle

A few days before Christmas, luck smiled on a man from North Wales during a memorable evening at Grosvenor Casino Liverpool Leo. With a bet of just £1 on the Ace King Progressive side bet on blackjack, he hit an amazing jackpot of £48,429.58, turning an ordinary night out into a real Christmas tale.

For the winner, this unexpected jackpot is much more than a simple win: it’s a ‘Christmas present before its time’ that allows him to turn the page on a difficult year and start the new one with hope. This Christmas miracle will remain engraved in his memory and in that of all those who witnessed this feat.