LANSING, April 14, 1999 – Ernest Osentoski of Marysville recently won big money with the Michigan Lottery’s Big Game!  Osentoski matched the first five numbers in the April 6 drawing to win the $150,000 prize.  That day’s winning numbers were: 12, 17, 22, 33, 44 and the Big Money Ball number was 25.

"I heard the winning numbers announced on the radio," Osentoski said.  "I knew right away that I had won $150,000.  I was so happy!"

The avid fisherman and deer hunter said he has been playing Michigan Lottery games for the past 26 years, and his favorites are The Big Game, Michigan Lotto and instant tickets.

Osentoski, 74, purchased the winning Big Game "easy pick" ticket at Groneks Party Store, 2850 Gratiot Blvd., in Marysville.  Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, he placed it in a fireproof army box for safe keeping!  The lucky winner said he plans to share his winnings with his family and to purchase a new home.

The retired City of Marysville heavy equipment operator offered the following advice for other Lottery hopefuls: "Buy a ticket and be happy no matter what happens!"

The Big Game is a six-state lottery game which held its first drawing in September 1996.  Lotteries in Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts and Virginia contribute to the joint prize pool.  Big Game drawings are conducted every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.

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