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Cynthia Jay, the world's newest millionaire, was ecstatic as she stepped up to the podium at The Desert Inn Resort and faced dozens of news cameras and reporters on Thursday. Just 15 hours earlier, 37-year old Jay put $27 in a Megabucks slots machine and won the world's largest slot machine jackpot that fell just shy of $35 million.

Jay frequently played slots at Megabucks, most recently because of the hype indicating the machine would hit soon. "I have been playing more in the last few weeks," Jay told several reporters gathered to meet the new millionaire, "like everyone has."

"We are absolutely thrilled that The Desert Inn is now home to the world's largest slots jackpot payout in the history of gaming," said Mark Lefever, COO of the Strip resort. "As we prepare to celebrate our 50th Anniversary in April, it is only appropriate that the newest Megabucks millionaire be christened at this historic property."

The Megabucks slots jackpot, a system networked between 157 Nevada casinos, had been building since the last hit in June 1999, and had reached record-breaking heights in December.

"When I left the house, I told my mother that next time I saw her, I'd have won Megabucks," Jay said. "But I thought I was joking."

Jay's first priority is to use the money to help her family, her mother and eight siblings."I always intended to go public, but last night I wanted to be the first to tell my family. I didn't want them to hear it from someone else," Jay said. "Helping my family is really the only firm plan I have made for the future so far," she added. Not surprising, Jay does not intend to return to her job as a cocktail waitress.

At the news conference, she was presented with an oversized symbolic check made out for the full amount of her winnings, $34,955,489.56, by Mark Lefever, COO of The Desert Inn, and Bob McMonigle, executive vice president of sales for International Game Technology. Shortly after her win on Wednesday evening, Jay received her first installment of $1,402,188.58. Megabucks winners are paid over a 25-year period.

Since her win, Jay has been a pampered guest of The Desert Inn Resort where she has stayed in an opulent three bedroom casa suite featuring a private swimming pool, hot tub, work-out room, entertainment room, billiards table, dining room and 24-hour butler service.

The Desert Inn Resort first opened its doors on April 24, 1950 as Wilbur Clark's Desert Inn. It was the fifth property on the Las Vegas Strip. The vision of luxury that was first introduced to Las Vegas in the 1950's continues to flourish today.