LANSING, July 24, 1998 – Time is ticking away for a would-be Big Game winner, with just days left to claim a $150,000 prize!  Michigan Lottery officials hope to hear from the ticket holder before it’s too late.

"A prize like this could really make someone’s day," said Michigan Lottery Commissioner Bill Martin.  "We don’t like to see a prize of any amount go unclaimed, and we’re hoping to hear from the rightful owner very soon."

The winning ticket matched the first five numbers drawn in the July 25, 1997 Big Game drawing.  That day’s winning numbers were: 4, 7, 33, 42, 44, and the Big Money Ball number was 25.

The ticket was purchased at: Total Petroleum #2521, 32845 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights.

Winners usually have one year from the draw date to claim Michigan Lottery prizes.  Because the one-year anniversary of this drawing falls on a Saturday, the holder of the ticket will have until the close of business Monday, July 27, 1998, to claim the prize.

Since the Michigan Lottery’s inception in 1972, the amount of unclaimed prizes that has gone to the state School Aid Fund totals more than $230 million.

Players who are interested in more information about this and other unclaimed prizes may call the Michigan Lottery at (517) 335-5640.

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