LANSING, August 7, 2003 – Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters announced today that the Mega Millions game will soon be getting bigger, bringing mega-excitement to lottery players in eleven states, including Michigan.  The Texas Lottery Commission recently officially voted to join the Mega Millions group.

“This is great news for the Mega Millions game,” Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters said.  “By adding Texas to the group, a significantly larger player base will be created.  This change will lead to faster-growing jackpots and we know that Michigan Lottery players love to play for the huge jackpots!”

The addition of Texas – the second most populous state in the nation – means a much larger player base for the Mega Millions game.  More players will create more game play, which will lead to faster-growing jackpots that will have the potential to grow to new record levels.  The Mega Millions game holds the record for the largest jackpot in North American history – at $363 million in May of 2000.  A lucky Michigan Lottery player – Larry Ross of Shelby Township – won half of that record jackpot!

“We hope to see more giant jackpots in the Mega Millions game, especially after Texas joins,” Peters said.  “I am looking forward to awarding many more multi-million dollar jackpot prizes to lucky Michigan Lottery players in the near future!”

Mega Millions is a multistate lottery game in Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Washington.  Wagers cost $1 each and tickets may be purchased at more than 7,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.  Mega Millions drawings are conducted every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m.  The next Mega Millions drawing is Friday, August 8, with an estimated jackpot of $50 million.

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