LANSING, April 10, 2000 — After scratching off a Michigan Lottery "Casino Nights" instant ticket to reveal a $100,000 prize on April 1, Donald Roman of Williamsburg was sure it was a joke!

"I scratched the ticket in my car just after I purchased it," Roman said. "I ran back into the store right away to have the clerk look at it to assure me that it really was a winner. I couldn’t believe that I had really won $100,000!"

Roman said he immediately shared the good news with his wife and friends — none of whom believed him at first.

"I hurried home from the store to tell my wife that we had won," Roman said. "I looked at her and said, ‘You won’t believe this!’ I was right, she didn’t believe me at first because it was April Fool’s Day. We told some of our friends later that night what we had won and they were sure we were kidding. No one believes you when you tell them you won $100,000 on April Fool’s Day!"

When not golfing or watching NASCAR races, the 46-year-old winner said he enjoys playing Michigan Lottery games. He said he has been playing Lottery games for the past 27 years and he truly enjoys the wide variety of games offered.

The winning ticket was purchased at Holiday Shopper Inc., 5356 US Highway 31, in Williamsburg. Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, the winner said he kept it with him at all times to ensure its safety.

The lucky man, who works as a machinist, said he plans to use part of his winnings to make home improvements and invest the rest for retirement.

"Casino Nights" is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant tickets available at more than 9,300 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

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