TULE RIVER INDIAN RESERVATION — An elderly Bakersfield man hit the largest jackpot of his life recently at Eagle Mountain Casino, taking home a cool $25,000.

Jack Smith, 84, was floating on cloud nine after hitting a three reel slot machine, according to Jim Valencia, public relations coordinator for the Porterville-area casino.

“I am completely shocked,” Smith said in a prepared statement. “I kept looking at the slot machine. I just can’t believe that I won this much money.”

Smith said he plans on helping his family and buying a vintage car with his winnings.

Valencia said in the first two days of August there were two $25,000 jackpot winners at Eagle Mountain Casino.

“Better odds and more winners isn’t just a slogan at Eagle Mountain Casino,” general manager Tom Stewart said in a prepared release. “It is a way of life.”

The casino, operated by the Tule River Indian Tribe, offers a wide variety of entertainment options.

Eagle Mountain Casino has more than 1,400 slots; 13 table games including poker, pai gow and blackjack; a bingo hall; top named entertainment; two restaurants and a five outlet food court.

The casino is located at 681 S. Tule Road.

-- Contact Glen Faison at 784-5000, Ext. 1040, or gfaison@portervillerecorder.com.