Man hits three $50,000 jackpots at same bar in less than two weeks

RENO, Nev. - Carl Overmier was back trying his luck at video poker Sunday and for good reason.

After winning three $50,000 royal flush jackpots at the same bar in less than two weeks, the Reno plumbing contractor is wondering if lightning will strike again.

''Getting a royal flush isn't easy, but when you hit that many it's pure freak luck,'' he said. ''It's been quite a run and I might as well keep at it.''

Overmier hit all three jackpots at Bully's Sports Bar & Grill just south of Reno, where he was back gambling Sunday. He landed two on the same machine.

In November 1998, a Las Vegas woman hit a $27.5 million slot jackpot after hitting a $680,000 jackpot a few weeks earlier.

But state gambling regulators say they can't recall anyone hitting three jackpots of at least $50,000 in such a short period of time.

''People have probably hit three smaller jackpots (in two weeks),'' said Keith Copher, the state Gaming Control Board's chief of enforcement.

''But I've been with the Gaming Control Board since 1981 and I've never heard of anyone hitting three $50,000 jackpots in that time.''

International Game Technology spokesman Rick Sorensen also can't recall such a streak.

''I don't know what the statistical probability is, but it's got to be extremely rare,'' he said. ''I think he's one lucky guy.''

Overmier said he played a total of $2,500 to win the three jackpots. He had to plunk down $50 at a time to have a chance for the big jackpot.

''Even the stock market doesn't do that good,'' he said.

Asked what he would do with his winnings, he replied, ''Nothing. That's just gambling money to me.''