LANSING, November 19, 2003 – Tom Osborne of Newport won big bucks upon matching the first five numbers in the November 11 Mega Millions drawing to win a $175,000 prize!  That day’s winning numbers were: 2, 5, 17, 21, 22 and the Gold Mega Ball number was 43. 

The 53-year-old winner, an auto worker, purchased the winning “easy-pick” Mega Millions ticket at Lee’s Market, 8593 Swan Creek Road, in Newport.

“At first I thought I had won a $5,000 prize,” said Osborne.  “Then I took the ticket home and double checked what I had matched against a Mega Millions “How to Play” brochure.  When I saw in the brochure that matching the first five numbers wins you a $175,000 prize, I immediately called the local Lottery retailer where I bought the ticket to confirm that it really was a $175,000 prize.  The clerk at the store told me that I was right.  I was completely shocked, but very excited to have a winning ticket!” 

Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, Osborne said he kept it in an envelope in his home at all times to ensure its safety.  The winner, who said he enjoys riding Harley-Davidson® motorcycles in his spare time, added that he plans to invest his winnings to provide himself with a comfortable retirement.

The winner added the following words of encouragement to other Lottery hopefuls: “It only takes one ticket to win!”

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, November 21, with an estimated jackpot of $16 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.

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