LANSING, November 21, 1997 – The holiday season came early for two lucky Michigan Lottery players; they won top prizes in "$1,000,000 Gift," the Lottery’s new $10 instant game!

A 45-year-old Sterling Heights man couldn’t believe it when he learned he was the game’s first millionaire, the winner of an instant $1,000,000.

"I was so excited, I was on my way over to my brother-in-law’s house to have him look at the ticket, and I wound up locking myself out of the house," said the winner who requested anonymity.  "I couldn’t believe this happened."

A regular Michigan Lottery player for 25 years, the winner said he will use his winnings to make investments, supplement his children’s education fund, and possibly take a vacation.

The winning "$1,000,000 Gift" ticket was purchased at Big Valley Foods Inc., 13753 19 Mile Road, in Sterling Heights.

A White Lake woman traded in a $10 winning ticket twice and scratched off a $100,000 winning "$1,000,000 Gift" ticket.

"I purchased one ticket and it was a $10 winner," said the winner, also requesting anonymity.  "I took that ticket to another store and turned it in for another "$1,000,000 Gift" ticket – that was another $10 winner.

"Later, I stopped at a gas station but all the pumps were busy so I went inside to turn in my ticket," she said.  "This time, I found the one worth $100,000!"

The 36-year-old winner said she and her husband would use the winnings to pay bills, share with their family, and save for the future.

The $100,000 "$1,000,000 Gift" ticket was purchased at M-59 Shell, 6370 Highland Road, in White Lake.

"$1,000,000 Gift" is the Michigan Lottery’s first $10 instant ticket.  It offers a top prize of $1,000,000 instantly, as well as other cash prizes ranging from $10 to $100,000.  Overall odds of winning a cash prize are approximately 1 in 2.83.

Michigan Lottery instant tickets are available at more than 9,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

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