Stewardess Wins More Than $9 million on Megabucks

A US Airways flight attendant made a profitable lay-over in Las Vegas today, winning more than $9 million on Megabucks at Harrah's Las Vegas.

Cynthia Malinoski of Mississausa, Ontario lined up three Megabucks symbols during her brief stay in the city to win $9,396,271.11, the total of the Megabucks progressive jackpot, plus a secondary jackpot of $10,000. She was presented with a check for her first installment of $386,220.80; she will receive checks in the amount of $375,418.80 each year for the next 25 years.

Malinoski, 38, didn't feel like doing any more shopping after the holidays, so she decided to gamble a little to pass the time until her next flight at 1:30 a.m. She employed her "system" of gambling, by playing three to five pulls on a machine before moving to the next machine if it doesn't hit. She was just about to give up on the current machine when the symbols lined up.

"We're always thrilled when one of our customers celebrates a jackpot," said Tom Jenkin, senior vice president and general manager of Harrah's Las Vegas. "We couldn't be happier for Mrs. Malinoski and her family."

"Looking back, I can see where I had signs I was going to win today," Malinoski said. With an 8-month-old son, and another on the way, she and her husband spent last week looking for a bigger house.

"My husband looked at me and said, 'The only way we are going to get a bigger house in this neighborhood is if we win the lottery.' I guess, now I can afford that house." Malinoski joked that she may use the name "Harrah" for her next son's middle name.

Originally from northern New Jersey, Malinoski also has been considering whether she will continue working or stay home with her growing family. "Now I have more flexibility," she said.

The Nevada Megabucks MegaJackpot can be won at one of 157 Nevada casinos that have Megabucks machines. Anytime the slot game is played at one of those casinos, the total continues to climb until it is won. The top prize is won with a 3-coin $1 bet.

The game builds from a base amount of $7 million. All IGT MegaJackpots are paid in annual installments upon verification, except Elvis, Slotopoly and Party Time, which are paid in their entirety upon verification. For current totals on all Nevada MegaJackpots games, log on to IGT's web site, http://www.igtmegajackpots.com, or call toll-free 1-888-448-2946.

Founded more than 60 years ago, Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. is the most recognized and respected name in the casino-entertainment industry, operating 21 casinos in the United States under the Harrah's, Showboat and Rio brand names. With a combined database of more than 19 million players, Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its target customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.