Lady Luck smiled on three Utahns last week, granting almost $3 million in gambling wins.
John M. Baysinger,67, of Helper, cashed in on a world-record 50-cent jackpot. He won $2,681,546 on a progressive slot machine at the Stardust Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.Baysinger, a Stardust Slot Club member and regular Las Vegas visitor, plugged in just $4 on a "Fabulous '50s" machine before it lined up.
Now Baysinger will get a payout from the slot over 20 years at $138,000 annually.
The previous world-record 50-cent payout was $2,591,904, won by another Utah resident, William Gallagher of Midvale, last year.
At the Silversmith in Wendover, Janice Andrus of Salt Lake City also won on the Nevada Nickels progressive slot machines. She won $224,865.
Andrus said she plans to make extra payments on the mortgage to her house, help family members in need and give some to her church.
In Weber County, Samuel Erbes found out he held the winning ticket Saturday night from the Idaho Fantastic Five Quick Pick ticket. The 73-year-old Farr West man pocketed $285,723.