LANSING, June 5, 2002 – A lucky Dexter man became the Michigan Lottery’s newest instant millionaire after scratching off a Michigan Lottery "Casino Riches" instant ticket to reveal a $1,000,000 top prize!

The winning ticket was purchased at Mugg & Bopps #5, 2940 Baker Road, in Dexter.

The lucky gentleman, who requested anonymity, scratched off the ticket immediately after purchasing it.

"I stepped aside at the ticket counter to scratch the ticket," the winner said. "When I scratched the ticket, I knew right away that I had won $1 million, but I tried to keep my cool. When the clerk verified I had a winner, she started hugging me, and even followed me outside, congratulating me all the way!"

The winner kept the winning ticket inside his shirt to ensure its safety before turning it in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing. "I wanted to keep it close to my heart!" he said.

The winner, who works as a clerk for a grocery store, said his tentative plans for his winnings are "too numerous to mention," but added that he may purchase a new vehicle with a portion of his windfall.

The lucky man encourages other players to be persistent when playing Michigan Lottery games.  "If you don’t play, it won’t pay!" he exclaimed.

"Casino Riches" is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant games available at more than 9,000 Lottery retailers statewide.

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