WORLEY - On Friday, a Spokane-area woman took home the largest jackpot ever awarded at the Coeur d'Alene Casino, and is now $1.3 million richer.

"When she saw it come up on the screen, she thought it was only $1,300," said Bob Bostwick, a spokesman for the casino.

Bostwick said the winner wanted to remain anonymous, but has been a regular customer from the day the Coeur d'Alene Tribe started its bingo games on the reservation.

"I had a conversation with her and she is absolutely charming," he said. "She really hopes to put it to good use."

Bostwick said the $1.3 million payout is the largest awarded by the Coeur d'Alene Casino or anywhere in the region, and was the resort's second million-dollar-plus jackpot in the past decade.

"And we still have seven more of those out there," Bostick said, adding those jackpots are each more than $1 million. "This place has been buzzing all weekend."

While the woman wishes to remain anonymous to the media, Bostwick said she can't do that among employees at the casino.

She is more than just a regular; her personal relationship among staffers began more than 20 years ago.

"I love my casino," she told Bostwick when she was awarded the money. "I love, love, love it. It's been my home away from home and the employees I've known have always been special. I know so many of the workers and they're just great. I feel right at home whenever I'm there."

The jackpot struck on a "Friends" electronic game Friday evening and was verified by 2 a.m. Saturday.

The winner will have the option of taking a cash payout or an annuity.

At $1.3 million, the jackpot is a record win among casinos in Idaho and the Northwest. Progressive jackpots like this one are connected to a broader network of machines in casinos across the country.

"We will never be sure who is more excited about this, the winner or our staff," said CEO Dave Matheson. "We have 'welcomed home' this lady for over two decades, so a win for her is a win for all of us and that's exactly how it feels."

Bostwick said Matheson's comments are truly and sincerely how the staff feels.

Bingo director Charlie Morris was quick to offer his own heartfelt congratulations.

"We know her very well," Morris said. "This could not have happened to a nicer person. She's family to us in bingo. Welcome home!"

The winner describes herself as a huge Gonzaga basketball fan, so more games are likely in her plans for the upcoming season. As for what she's going to do with her winnings, she downplays any spending spree and predicts good use, according to Bostwick.

"I won't want this kind of money to be just sitting there to be spent," she told Bostwick. "I want a good portion of it to go somewhere where it will do some good."

"As for me, I would like to see Paris again," she said. "But airplanes make me claustrophobic."

"So, why not fly first class?" Bostwick asked her.

"You know, I didn't think of that," she said, and chuckled. "Maybe I can make that trip after all."

"Hopefully she makes that trip to Paris," Bostwick said.