Elmhurst woman celebrates 101st at Grand Victoria Casino

The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin has more than 1,100 slots, according to its website. Clarice Colangelo of Elmhurst has probably played them all.

More than once.

That's because Colangelo has been coming to the casino every Monday and Thursday for about eight years.

And she's 101 years old.

Colangelo blew out the candles on a cake Monday afternoon, celebrating her birthday at the casino. Her family and many staff members gathered to help her celebrate and sing.

Colangelo said she used to come to Elgin with her sister before her death, but now comes with either her son, Larry, or daughter, Lenice.

Colangelo said she usually plays video poker or slots, and the most she's won in one day was about $600.

"Where else can you get this kind of excitement? The grocery store?" she asked.

The Grand Victoria provided Colangelo with several gifts, including lunch for five, a floral bouquet with balloons, a commemorative book on Wrigley Field's 100th anniversary, GVC merchandise, and Honorary Sterling membership status, according to marketing manager Marilou Pilman.