By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Arthur Spelding, pictured with his wife, won a new Jaecoo J5 Inferno at Carnival City. Photo Credit: Supplied
What was meant to be a simple birthday getaway became a life-changing surprise for one lucky guest at Carnival City Casino after he walked away with a brand-new Jaecoo J5 Inferno during a casino promotion.
Arthur Spelding from Benoni was celebrating his birthday alongside his wife while staying at the Carnival City Road Lodge when an ordinary evening on the casino floor unexpectedly turned into an unforgettable moment.
“I thought it was just a bonus feature”
While playing on one of the participating slot machines as part of the casino’s Slots Car Mystery promotion, Spelding triggered what initially appeared to be a standard free spin bonus.
Moments later, the machine erupted into celebration mode as casino attendants rushed over to congratulate him on winning the luxury vehicle.
“At first I was confused. I thought it was just a bonus feature. Then the attendants came over and told me I had won the car,” Spelding said.
“I couldn’t believe it. I was just enjoying my birthday with my wife, and Carnival City surprised me with the ultimate gift.”
Unlike traditional casino promotions requiring entry tickets or draw participation, the Slots Car Mystery campaign allowed guests to win instantly simply by playing on selected machines.
Spelding, a Silver MVG cardholder, said the experience still feels surreal and admitted he and his wife are still deciding whether to keep or sell the vehicle.
Carnival City celebrates another major winner
The Jaecoo win comes amid a series of major promotional payouts at Carnival City, which has continued rewarding guests through multiple gaming campaigns.
According to Johan Oosthuizen, the casino aims to create authentic moments of excitement that guests remember long after leaving the property.
“There’s something special about seeing a spontaneous win unfold on the gaming floor, especially when it coincides with a personal celebration like a birthday,” Oosthuizen said.
“Our aim is to deliver experiences that surprise, delight and reward our guests in real time.”
Seen Here: Carnival City’s new General Manager, Johan Oosthuizen, congratulates Karin Gryvenstein on her Tata Tiago win. Photo Credit: Supplied
More cars still up for grabs
Carnival City has also recently crowned another lucky vehicle winner through its ongoing Bank or Burn promotion.
Karin Gryvenstein from Boksburg became the first winner in the promotion after driving away with a Tata Tiago during the April draw.
Although emotional following her win, Gryvenstein revealed she plans to sell the vehicle after recently purchasing a new car earlier this year.
The Bank or Burn promotion continues on the last Saturday of each month, giving players additional opportunities to win vehicles and other prizes.
Upcoming draw dates include:
- 30 May 2026
- 27 June 2026
- 25 July 2026 (final draw featuring a Tata Curvv)
Entertainment, anticipation and life-changing moments
Casino promotions offering instant rewards and vehicle giveaways continue attracting large numbers of visitors across South Africa’s entertainment and gaming industry, where the excitement of unexpected wins remains a major drawcard.
For Arthur Spelding, however, the experience became far more personal — transforming a birthday celebration into a story he is unlikely to ever forget.
At Carnival City, one spin truly changed everything.
