Las Vegas catches Lotto fever with $312 million up for grabs

PRIMM -- Champagne wishes and caviar dreams were easy to spot Thursday as hundreds of Southern Nevadans descended on a single storefront several feet over the California line to buy lottery tickets, hoping their numbers are the ones called today with a near-record $312 million Mega Millions payout up for grabs.

While there isn't much that kind of money won't buy, most people had practical plans for spending it, such as paying off debts or buying a new home with cash.

One woman said she would spoil her four children.

The most energetic couple in line were Bob and Cathy Navin of Las Vegas. Cathy and her husband danced while she sang him "Happy Birthday." Their enthusiasm was contagious because pretty soon everybody else in line was singing to Bob on his 74th birthday.

"We will go back to Frankfurt," Cathy said when asked what she would do if she wins.

"I always wanted to be a trust fund baby," said Marabela Ortiz. "I knew one when my mom was a maid in Newport Beach (Calif.). I was always so envious. Maybe money can't buy happiness, but I would love to find out, wouldn't you?"

"My four kids will have a trust fund to dip into for the rest of their lives," Sandy Merlin said. "I think not worrying about money for diapers and formula would make them happy when they grow up."

"Half I will give to charities, and half I will use to travel around the world," Lili Chen of Las Vegas said.

Cassie Miessen of Las Vegas is far too grounded for a 22-year-old.

"I just want to pay off some bills," she said.

Pat and Debbie Glazier of Henderson said they traveled to Primm to shop at the outlet mall, eat lunch and get a lottery ticket, thinking the line would not be as long as it was.

"We were wrong," said Debbie.

"Not a clue," Pat replied when asked what his caviar dream was.

Debbie was more sure: The first thing she would do is "take the entire extended family to Tahiti. There are about 30 of us."

Jose Ramirez of Las Vegas said he will retire from his job as a waiter at a Strip casino restaurant and use the money to build his own gourmet restaurant chain.

"Or maybe I'll just buy a house on a lake, or maybe I'll buy the lake," he said, his eyes challenging his smile to see which could beam brighter.

Marcus Washington of North Las Vegas said he would buy a car dealership with part of the money, then hand out loans with a "friendly interest rate" to poor people.

If the $312 million estimate holds true, the winner will take home about $198 million after taxes and can choose to take a lump sum upfront or 26 annual payments of roughly $12 million.

"We're seeing excitement from coast to coast in the 43 jurisdictions in which Mega Millions is played," Gary Grief, executive director of Texas' Lottery Commission, said in a statement posted on the lottery's website.

Mega Millions is played in 41 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

According to the Mega Millions website, the $312 million jackpot would be the sixth-highest in the lottery's history. If nobody wins, the next drawing is Tuesday , for a jackpot that could reach $390 million.

Drawings are Tuesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. Pacific time.

Contact Doug McMurdo at dmcmurdo@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5512.