LANSING, January 11, 1999 – The Midwest’s icy weather and plunging temperatures haven’t dampened Michigan Lottery players’ enthusiasm for instant tickets!

Following up the strongest fiscal year in its 26-year history, the Lottery posted instant game weekly sales of $16.3 million for the week ended December 21 – knocking off the previous weekly record of $15.5 million set in November 1997.

Michigan Lottery instant games have consistently been a key part of the Lottery’s successive record years.

"I can’t think of a better time for me to become affiliated with the Michigan Lottery," said Commissioner-appointee Don Gilmer, who officially takes over the reins at the Lottery Bureau on January 15.  "I’m looking forward to seeing how many more records we can break in the new year!"

The introduction of several holiday-themed instant games was certainly a factor in the December hot streak.  Games launched in time for holiday gift-giving included "$1,000,000 Gift," "Season’s Greetings," "Jingle Bills" and "Frosty the Doughman" – with prizes as high as $25,000, $250,000, even $1,000,000!

Michigan Lottery instant games are available at more than 9,300 retailers statewide.

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