A Michigan man has won a $1.3 million lottery prize after faithfully playing the same set of numbers for four years—but lost nearly $400,000 instantly by choosing a lump-sum payout.
The 54-year-old Wayne County resident matched all six numbers in the Lotto 47 draw on January 8. The winning numbers—04, 08, 17, 28, 36, 43—had been part of his regular ticket for years.
“I have played this set of numbers for four years,” he told Michigan Lottery officials. “I scanned my ticket on the Lottery app and saw the confetti fly and thought: ‘This is a dream come true!’”
Although thrilled, the winner chose to receive his prize as a one-time cash payment. That decision reduced his payout to $901,000—around $399,000 less than the full jackpot amount.
Still, he called the win life-changing and said the money would give his family financial freedom. He plans to pay bills and take a long-awaited family vacation.
Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli congratulated the winner and noted that the Lotto 47 game was especially lucky in 2024, with eight jackpot winners. “It looks like that luck is continuing into 2025,” she said.
Lotto 47 tickets cost $1, and draws are held every Wednesday and Saturday. The odds of winning the jackpot are about 1 in 11 million. Jackpots start at $1 million and roll over until claimed.
In another recent win, a Virginia woman hit a $2 million jackpot after a gas station clerk gave her the wrong scratch-off ticket.
Kelly Lindsey of Carrollton said she intended to buy her usual Virginia Lottery ticket but ended up with a “Money Blitz” scratcher by mistake. Frustrated at first, she scratched the ticket in the parking lot and quickly changed her tune.
“I got over not being happy about it!” she said after discovering her unexpected win.Lindsey also opted for the lump sum and walked away with $1.25 million in cash.Both stories highlight how a bit of luck—and some perseverance—can lead to major rewards.
