Michael Buckner, 58, from South Carolina, won a $2 million jackpot on a Mega Multiplier instant ticket after debating whether to visit a nearby casino or buy lottery tickets. He said, “I was trying to decide between going to the casino or buying instant tickets and ended up choosing instant tickets.”
When Buckner scratched the ticket, he couldn’t believe his eyes. “I didn’t think it was real,” he said. He called his girlfriend to share the news, but she didn’t believe him either. “It still hasn’t fully sunk in.”
Buckner later claimed his prize at the Michigan Lottery headquarters. Instead of receiving smaller payments over time, he opted for a one-time lump sum of about $1.3 million.
Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli praised Buckner’s win, saying, “Instant games are popular across Michigan and have helped contribute over $1 billion to the School Aid Fund for six years straight.”
Buckner plans to share the money with his family and save the rest for retirement.
This story follows that of another long-time lottery player, Kevin Connor from Leicester, Massachusetts, who won a $2.64 million Megabucks jackpot after more than 30 years of playing.
Connor credits his wife as his inspiration, using a combination of her old phone number and favorite number in his tickets. After a round of golf, he bought the ticket, then later checked the results on a family trip to Maine. He beat odds of 1 in 7 million.
Connor chose the lump sum option too, receiving $1.8 million before taxes. Experts say about 90% of winners prefer the lump sum because it pays immediately, though it comes with a bigger tax hit.
Winners must often decide between a lump sum or annuity payments. Annuities spread payments over years but may lose value due to inflation. Lump sums are taxed upfront but provide immediate access to the cash.
Financial advisors recommend consulting professionals to weigh the benefits of each choice, as rules vary by state and game.Meanwhile, Michigan officials urge players to check their tickets, as dozens of prizes remain unclaimed.
