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Mega Mystery Solved! Lahti Wins Lottery!

BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô It's the $190 million question in Idaho: Who is the second winner from the second largest jackpot in United States history? A week after announcing that a Mega Millions ticket worth $190 million from the January 4, 2010 draw was sold in Post Falls, Idaho, a winner has claimed her prize. The winner is Idaho resident Holly Lahti.

"Holly Lahti claimed her prize late yesterday," announced Idaho Lottery Director Jeff Anderson to the members of the media assembled for the press event in Boise. "Ms. Lahti is not available for public comment at this time."

"We want to be respectful of our winner and to the extent possible, afford a certain amount of privacy as she begins to put her new life affairs in order," added Anderson. "She has requested the media respect her privacy and not contact her until she's prepared to speak with you."

The winning ticket has been claimed, but has not been cashed pending Ms. Lahti's election of the annuity or cash option. If she elects the one-time cash option, Lahti would receive a check for slightly more than $120 million before taxes. If she chooses the annuity, twenty-six payments over 25 years, her annual payment would be $7.3 million before taxes. She has 60 days from yesterday to make that decision.

The winning ticket was sold at Ady's Convenience and Car Wash on Seltice Way in Post Falls, Idaho. For their part in selling the winning ticket, Ady's will receive a $50,000 bonus from the Idaho Lottery as well as the distinction of being "The Store" in northern Idaho that sold the second largest lottery ticket, ever.

"Brad Wilde and the folks at Ady's have been terrific retail partners of ours for many years," added Anderson. "We cannot thank them enough for their support and cooperation with our jackpot winner."

At the time of the media event, Ms. Lahti was traveling to an undisclosed destination.

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CONTACT: David Workman
(208) 334-2600