Dean McDuff has been playing the Lottery since it started in 1972 and has even won a small amount before, but winning $250,000 was an unexpected thrill.

McDuff won by matching five white ball numbers in the Mega Millions February 14 drawing. The lucky numbers he played were all family birthdates. McDuff realized his ticket was a winner when he checked it at a Lottery Lucky Spot machine.

As far as how he will spend some of his new mega bucks? “I plan to pay off my house and help my kids out a little as well,” McDuff said. He is also “stoked” to take a trip to Atlantic City and look into how he can spend the money wisely.

The winning ticket was sold by Mitch’s Party Store; located at 37504 Michigan Ave. in Wayne.

Over 95 cents of every dollar spent on Lottery tickets is returned to the state in the form of contributions to the state School Aid Fund, prizes to players and commissions to retailers. In fiscal year 2011, the contribution to schools was over $727.3 million. Since its inception in 1972, the Lottery has contributed over $16 billion to education in Michigan.

For information on all Lottery games, please visit the Lottery’s Web site at www.michiganlottery.com.

“The Michigan Lottery. All across the state good things happen.”

Contact:  Andi Brancato, PR Director  517-335-5648
Agency:  Michigan Lottery Public Relations