A TAXI driver who dreamed of a big win saw it become reality when he scooped a jackpot of nearly £90,000 at a Westcliff casino.

Goksel Selay, 53, decided to try his luck at the Genting Club, in Western Esplanade, as it was a quiet night for fares.

It certainly paid off, as he was dealt four aces to win the Blackjack Aces’ jackpot of £89,950 in a game which links 35 casinos nationwide.

The father-of-two, from Swanley, Kent, plans to spend part of his winnings on the family home, a car for his wife and put some aside for his teenage children.

Mr Selay said: “I could not believe it.

“It’s the first time I have had such a big win.

“I don’t usually play blackjack as I prefer roulette. But I wasn’t having much luck there, so I decided to play blackjack instead, as I saw the jackpot was rising.

“A few days earlier, I had had a dream about winning big money and told my wife about it.

“We are not lucky normally. That night, when I went to work, it was very quiet, so I thought I would try my luck because I had the dream and it came true.”

As a taxi driver, his work sometimes takes him to Southend and he has been a customer at the Genting Club for ten years.

The club’s general manager, Simon Woodford, said: “There was great excitement when the jackpot was won.

“It’s the biggest we have had here on this game. We’re all so pleased for Goksel, whom we have got to know over the years.”

The Blackjack Aces’ game links casinos to create a progressive jackpot.

Players can win the big cash jackpot from as little as a £1 side bet.