News Release

Eagan Resident Plays “Deal or No Deal” With Howie Mandel

Wins $13,000 on the Game Show

JULY 15, 2009 — Tim McMahon of Eagan won $13,000 playing the “Deal or No Deal” game show with Howie Mandel.

McMahon, who was assigned case number 12, was shocked when the ball landed on his case number, making him the lucky contestant to play the game on stage with Howie. “I thought, ‘Now I have to remember everything they told us we have to remember,’” McMahon said. “I grabbed my case and ran down to the stage. Howie took over at that point. You just go with the flow.”

The board and the banker were very generous at the start of the game — the banker offered McMahon $61,000, which he turned down because most of the top prizes were still in play. McMahon’s luck ran out, however, and he accepted the banker’s later offer of $13,000.

“If the board hadn’t looked as good as it did, I would not have turned the $61,000 down,” McMahon said in retrospect. “But the board at that point looked really, really good. When the offer drops your heart drops at the same time. I’m glad that I was smart enough to get out when I got out.”

McMahon said he enjoyed the opportunity to play “Deal or No Deal” and to meet Howie Mandel. “It was really an interesting experience — once in a lifetime. He [Mandel] seems to have the knack to get you going. It was totally awesome.”      

McMahon won a trip to Hollywood and the opportunity to play “Deal or No Deal” by entering a non-winning Deal or No Deal scratch ticket into a second-chance drawing. Twenty-six players from 20 participating lotteries were selected by “Deal or No Deal” producers to play the game; five of these players won their way on stage to play the game for the chance to win up to $500,000 during a special “Lottery Week” from July 13-17.

Check for Lotto Games winning numbers and unclaimed prizes information. Players can also get winning numbers 24 hours a day by calling (651) 634-1111.

Lottery players must be 18 years of age or older. Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know needs help with a gambling problem, call (800) 333-HOPE.

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 635-8273. TTY users should dial (651) 635-8268 or (800) 657-3833.