LANSING, June 18, 2003 – Imagine earning more than $18,000 in a single day!

That dream could become a reality on Friday night for a lucky Michigan Lottery player – if the right Mega Millions combination can be found!  Lottery officials announced that no winning ticket correctly matched all six winning numbers – 27, 31, 34, 40, 52 and Gold Mega Ball number 1 – in the June 17, 2003 Mega Millions drawing, pushing the jackpot for June 20 to an estimated $175 million!

If one winning ticket matches all six numbers and the player has selected annuity payments over 26 years, the $175 million jackpot would amount to pre-tax payments of roughly:

• $6.73 million annually;
• $129,437 per week; or
• $18,491 per day!

For those who prefer to take their cash winnings up-front, it’s a pretty nice payday as well.  If one lucky cash-option player matches all six winning numbers, he or she will take home a check for approximately $111.3 million (before taxes), the estimated present cash value of Friday night’s jackpot!

Mega Millions tickets are available in Michigan, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Washington.  Friday’s drawing will be conducted at 11 p.m. and broadcast on cable superstation WGN out of Chicago as well as a network of Michigan stations (check local listings).  For more information, you can also visit the Mega Millions Web site at: www.megamillions.com.

NOTE: Commissioner Gary Peters is available for interviews on Thursday (6/19) and Friday (6/20).  If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Jennifer Quimby at (517) 335-5648.

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