LANSING, January 19, 2000 — The phrase "it only takes one ticket" really does ring true for Helen Willis of Port Sanilac! The lucky lady purchased just one ticket for the January 7 Big Game drawing and matched the first five numbers to win the $150,000 prize. That day’s winning numbers were: 1, 9, 23, 39, 41 and the Big Money Ball number was 15.

"My husband took the ticket to a store near our house to see if we had won anything," Willis said. "When he came home and told me we won $150,000 I was completely shocked and surprised! We are both very excited about it."

When not hunting, fishing or canoeing, Willis said she enjoys playing Michigan Lottery games on occasion. She said she has been playing Lottery games off and on for the past 24 years, and her favorites are Michigan Lotto, instant games and, of course, The Big Game. The winner purchased the lucky Big Game "easy pick" ticket at Port Sanilac Party Store Inc., 78 S. Ridge Street, in Port Sanilac.

Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, Willis said she and her husband hid it in their bedroom to ensure its safety. The lucky lady said she plans to use her winnings to build a new house and "spoil the grandchildren."

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 Friday, January 21, with an expected jackpot of $20 million.

###