LANSING, May 9, 2005 -- A new and improved version of one of Michigan's most popular Lottery games returns with the first sales of Classic Lotto 47 on Sunday, May 15.

Based on Lotto 47, which ran from December 1989 to March 1993, Classic Lotto 47 jackpots start at $1 million and increase by at least $100,000 each drawing.  There are guaranteed prizes of $5 for matching three; $100 for matching four; and $2,500 for matching five numbers.  Classic Lotto 47 drawings will be conducted at 7:29 pm every Wednesday and Saturday.  The first drawing for Classic Lotto, which replaces Winfall, will be Wednesday, May 18.

Overall odds in Classic Lotto are 1 in 47.  Wagers for the game are $1 each.

"Lottery players are going to love this game!  It beats Winfall because players pick 6 numbers out of just 47, instead of using a pool of 49, so the odds of winning prizes are better.  And Classic Lotto 47 will pay out 7 percent more in total prizes than Lotto 47!" said Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters.

To launch the new game, the Lottery is offering the Classic Summer Sweepstakes that will award a total of 100 classic summer prize packages in four separate drawings.  The summer prize packages include a Ducane stainless steel outdoor gas grill; eight Detroit Tigers tickets, and a $100 Big Boy gift card.

To enter the sweepstakes, players must purchase a $3 single-ticket Classic Lotto 47 wager and receive an entry form.  The prize package drawings will be May 25, June 1, June 8 and June 22.

"This sweepstakes gives players a chance at not just winning a Classic Lotto 47 cash prize, but a prize package sure to guarantee fun this summer," Peters said.

The last Winfall drawing will be Saturday, May 14.

All proceeds from the Michigan Lottery are contributed to the state School Aid Fund which supports kindergarten through 12th grade public education in Michigan.  In fiscal year 2004, the contribution was $644.8 million.

Additional information about Classic Lotto 47, including details on the summer prize package sweepstakes, and all other Michigan Lottery games is available at the Lottery's Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery.

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