LANSING, April 23, 2005- One lucky Michigan player has won the Lottery’s $205 million Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five numbers plus the Mega ball in Friday night’s drawing.

Winning numbers in the drawing were 23-25-43-46-49, and the Mega ball was 26.  The winning ticket was purchased at 5:24 p.m. on April 22 at the River District Supermarket, 3550 Electric Ave., Port Huron, in St. Clair County.

The $205 million jackpot is the third largest in the history of the Mega Millions game.

"Congratulations to the lucky winner!! I’m please that a Michigan man or woman is going to be our next Mega Millions millionaire!" said Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters.  "We look forward to the winner contacting us soon to make arrangements to collect the prize."

If the winner chooses to take the lump sum, the prize will equal $122.6 million (before taxes).  If he or she chooses the 26-year annuity option, payments (before taxes) will be $7.9 million per year!  That equates to $657,051 per month, $151,627 per week, $21,601 per day, and $2,700 per hour for an eight hour day for 26 years!

Mega Millions is a multistate lottery game in Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington.  Wagers cost $1 each and tickets can be purchased at more than 9,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

The winner should contact the Michigan Lottery at (517) 373-1237.  He or she will have to travel to Lansing to pick up the winnings.

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