LANSING, May 22, 2000 — Steve Reinke of Livonia will soon be cruising the high seas courtesy of the Michigan Lottery! Reinke matched the first five numbers in the May 9 Big Game drawing to win the $150,000 prize. That day’s winning numbers were: 1, 2, 12, 33, 37 and the Big Money Ball number was 4.

"I saw the winning numbers on television," the winner said. "I couldn’t believe I had matched five numbers, so I checked for the winning numbers on the Internet as well. It just didn’t seem real! I am going to celebrate by taking a cruise!"

The 23-year-old Oakland University student purchased the winning Big Game "easy pick" ticket at Farmer Jack #319, 41840 W. 10 Mile Road, in Novi. Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, Reinke said he kept it on his dresser in his home.

The winner said he doesn’t play Michigan Lottery games very often. In fact, the winning ticket was only the second Big Game ticket he has ever purchased!

The lucky man, who enjoys running, swimming and participating in triathlons in his free time, said that in addition to taking a cruise he plans to use his winnings to pay back student loans and make investments.

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.

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