Houston woman sues friend over LV slot jackpot

Friday, March 24, 2000 | 11:01 a.m.

HOUSTON -- An appellate court has reinstated a Houston woman's lawsuit against a long-time friend over a $1.9 million slot jackpot hit in Las Vegas.

Mary Iacono sued her long-time friend, Carolyn Lyons, last year. Iacono's lawsuit accused Lyons of defrauding her out of half of the jackpot. The lawsuit was dismissed, but a state court of appeals reinstated the lawsuit March 16, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Iacono claims Lyons invited her on a Las Vegas gambling trip in February 1997 because she believed Iacono was "lucky." Iacono claims Lyons offered to pay for her trip and to evenly split any winnings.

After losing $47 playing slots at Caesars Palace, Lyons decided to leave for a show. Iacono claimed she "begged" Lyons to continue playing, and Lyons agreed on the condition that she would put coins into the machine because it took too long for Iacono to do so. Iacono suffers from advanced rheumatoid arthritis and was in a wheelchair at the time.

After Lyons allegedly said, "Just one more time, this one's for you, Puddin," the slot machine hit for a $1.9 million jackpot, Iacono claims. Since that time, Iacono claims, Lyons has refused to honor their earlier agreement, which she characterizes as a binding oral contract.

Lyons' attorneys deny there was any agreement to split winnings. Iacono did not contribute anything substantial, they say, only her "dream of success in Las Vegas and her 'luck.' "