LANSING, December 3, 2003 – The Mega Millions game officially grew to 11 states today when tickets went on sale at more than 16,000 retailers all across Texas at 6 a.m.  Michigan Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters is thrilled about the addition of Texas to the very popular multistate Mega Millions game.

“The Michigan Lottery has been involved with the Mega Millions game since its inception as The Big Game in 1996,” Peters said.  “This game, both as Mega Millions and The Big Game, has created player excitement in not only the states that offer the game, but in the states that surround Mega Millions states as well.  Everyone loves a giant jackpot, and that is what this game has offered in the past and will continue to offer in the future!”

To date, Mega Millions still holds the record for the largest jackpot in North American history, for the $363 million Big Game jackpot in 2000.  The Michigan Lottery was fortunate enough to share in that jackpot win with the Illinois Lottery. With the addition of the Texas Lottery to the Mega Millions group, the Michigan Lottery looks forward to sharing in more giant jackpots in the future.

“Everyone will benefit from the addition of Texas to the Mega Millions group,” Peters said.  “With the addition of the Texas Lottery we expect to see Mega Millions jackpots grow at a more rapid rate and reach new heights, bringing renewed excitement to all who play the game!”

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 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, December 5, with an estimated jackpot of $44 million.  For more information about Mega Millions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery or the Mega Millions Web site at www.megamillions.com.

# # #