Giving Back on "The Big Spin" Show

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Gurmit Kaur from Artesia beat out nine other contestants for a chance to spin
the big wheel. Kaur, who had her son on hand to translate for her, spun the
wheel and landed a $75,000 prize. The "very happy" mother and son said that they
would give some of the money to their church.

Donna Miller of Covelo was this week`s lucky Big Spin contestant. Her winning
Scratchers ticket sent her directly to the wheel. Miller`s spin landed her a
$25,000 prize, and she looks forward to helping the more vulnerable members of
our society - children, elderly and animals - with her winnings.

James Baxter,a custodian from Daly City, was "feeling great" as he stepped up to
the Fantasy 5 Dream Machine. He was excited to share the experience with his
mom, and, after his third ball landed him a total of $60,000, he "had to listen
to mom" and stop. He plans to send his mom on a long-awaited pilgrimage with his
winnings.

Carlos Marroquin of Los Angeles won $20,000 on the Fantasy 5 Dream Machine. His
plans with the money were simple and like so many other California Lottery
players - he wanted to help the family.

The grand total won by all contestants on this week`s episode was $202,500. Here
are the big winners from this week`s show:

NAME CITY AMOUNT
Gurmit Kaur Artesia $75,000
James Baxter Daly City $60,000
Donna K. Miller Covelo $25,000
Carlos Marroquin Los Angeles $20,000

For high resolution photos of Gurmit Kaur, James Baxter, Donna Miller or Carlos
Marroquin, please contact (916) 324-9639 or e-mail newsroom@calottery.com.

After 23 years on the air, "The Big Spin" will air its last show on January 10,
2009. Look for the new show, "Make Me a Millionaire," debuting on January 17,
2009. For more information on show times in your area and to see a sneak preview
of "Make Me a Millionaire," please visit www.calottery.com.

More than 95 cents of every Lottery dollar is returned to the community in the
form of contributions to education, prizes and retail commissions. The
California Lottery contributes at least 34 cents of every dollar that players
spend on Lottery products to public education and returns more than 50 percent
of sales to players in the form of prizes. Since its inception in 1985, the
Lottery has contributed nearly $21 billion to California schools out of total
sales of more than $56 billion. Retailers benefit too, earning $3.6 billion in
compensation since 1985.

Please remember to use the California Lottery`s exciting new logo, which can be
found at www.calottery.com/styleguide.

California Lottery
Bill Ainsworth, 916-324-9639
Monique Blue, 916-324-9639

Copyright Business Wire 2009