LANSING, November 16, 1999 — Donald Akers of Taylor knew he would win a big Michigan Lottery prize one day. That day came when Akers matched the first five numbers in the November 9 Big Game drawing making him the winner of the game’s $150,000 prize! That day’s winning numbers were: 12, 13, 26, 40, 42 and the Big Money Ball number was 27.

"I looked up the winning Big Game numbers in the Detroit Free Press after I got to work," Akers said. "I couldn’t believe what I saw. I immediately ran through the shop yelling! My co-workers thought I hurt myself at first. I am so excited — I still feel numb!"

When not fishing, Akers said he enjoys playing Lottery games. He added that he has been playing Michigan Lottery games for the past 15 years, and his favorites are Michigan Lotto, the Daily 4 game, instant games and, of course, The Big Game. The winner purchased the winning Big Game "easy pick" ticket at 7 Q Food Center, 29444 Cherry Hill Road, in Garden City.

Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, Akers kept it in his wallet to ensure its safety. The lucky man said he plans to use part of his winnings to start a college fund for his children and will use the rest to pay off his mortgage and take his family on a trip to Disney World.

Akers believes anyone can win Lottery games, and he offered the following words of wisdom to other Lottery hopefuls: "Just keep playing! Sooner or later you’re going to hit!"

The Big Game is a multistate lottery game in Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Virginia. Wagers cost $1 each and tickets may be purchased at more than 6,400 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

Big Game drawings are conducted every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. The next Big Game drawing is tonight (Tuesday), with an expected jackpot of $7 million.