LANSING, May 29, 2002 – Carl Swanberg of Dearborn was bowled over upon learning he had matched the first five numbers in the May 23 Mega Millions drawing to win a $175,000 prize!  That day’s winning numbers were: 12, 20, 31, 33, 50 and the Gold Mega Ball number was 17.

“I discovered I had a winning ticket after picking up a winning number report from a local Lottery retailer,” said Swanberg.  “When I saw the winning numbers matched the numbers on my ticket, I was completely shocked and couldn’t stop shaking!  I asked the clerk at the store to double check the ticket for me so I could be sure I had really won a $175,000 prize!”

The 46-year-old winner purchased the winning Mega Millions ticket at Amy’s Liquor Shop, 19224 Carlysle St., in Dearborn.

Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, Swanberg said kept it with him at all times to ensure its safety.  The winner, an avid sports fan who enjoys golfing and bowling in his spare time, added that he plans to use part of his winnings to buy a new truck, a hot tub for his home and to take a vacation.  He added that he plans to invest the remainder of his winnings for the future.

The winner offered the following words of encouragement to other Lottery hopefuls: “You have to play to win! People really do win.  You just have to be in right place at the right time.  It truly is all luck!”

The last Big Game drawing took place on Tuesday, May 14, 2002.  On Wednesday, May 15, 2002, The Big Game was replaced by Mega Millions.  Mega Millions is a multistate lottery game in which the following states participate: Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Washington.  Wagers cost $1 each and tickets may be purchased at more than 7,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

Mega Millions drawings are conducted every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.  The next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, May 30, with an estimated jackpot of $58 million.  For more information about Mega Millions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery or the Mega Millions Web site at www.megamillions.com.

# # #