LANSING, November 10, 2005 – A very lucky Commerce Twp. man is $10,000 richer, thanks to the Michigan Lottery’s Mega Millions game. Mikhail Balassanov matched four numbers and the Mega ball to win the prize.

The Mega Millions prize structure changed beginning with the June 24 drawing when California became part of the Mega Millions game. The previous prize for matching four white balls and the Mega ball was $5,000.

The 52-year-old regular Lottery player was very happy when he learned of his good fortune. Balassanov hid the lucky easy pick ticket in his pocket before cashing it in a Lottery regional office. The lucky winner enjoys cooking in his free time, and has no immediate plans for his prize money.

The winning ticket was purchased at Sylvan Quality Market, 2310 Orchard Lake Rd., in Sylvan Lake.

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 2004, the contribution was $644.8 million.

For additional information, please visit the Lottery’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery.

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