LANSING, September 29, 2006 – Robert Thomas was “surprised” and “happy” when he realized he had matched four white balls, plus the Mega ball to win $10,000 in the Sept. 25 Mega Millions drawing.

Thomas, who works as a teacher, plans to use the money to pay bills and go into savings.

The longtime player purchased the winning easy-pick ticket at Eight Mile Petro Mart, 4925 E. 8 Mile Rd., in Warren.

Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game in Michigan, California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Wagers cost $1 each and tickets may be purchased at more than 10,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

All proceeds from the Lottery are contributed to the state School Aid Fund which supports kindergarten through 12th grade public education in Michigan. In fiscal year 2005, the contribution was $667.6 million.

For additional information, please visit the Lottery’s Web site at https://www.michiganlottery.com/.

# # #