In a remarkable turn of events, a Michigan man now finds himself $7.19 million richer after scoring the largest-ever prize on a ticket purchased through the state’s lottery website. This extraordinary event was confirmed by Michigan Lottery officials, with the nuanced tale unfolding just one day after Father’s Day.
Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli was elated to announce this record-breaking win. “This record-setting Lotto 47 jackpot win comes with an incredible story,” Shkreli declared in a press release on Monday.
The 38-year-old winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, credits his substantial newfound fortune to sage advice from his father. “I have been playing Lotto 47 for a long time and would always switch up my numbers,” the winner shared in the release. “One day, my dad told me I should pick a set of numbers and stick with them, so that’s what I did. I purchased an online subscription and have been playing the same set of numbers for a few years.”
The turn of fortune came on May 22nd when the Lotto 47 drawing revealed the numbers 22-24-26-40-41-44, all of which miraculously matched the winner’s chosen set, securing the jackpot.
The winner’s realization of his multi-million-dollar victory unfolded in a rather low-key manner. “I saw an email from the Lottery saying I’d won a prize, so I logged into my Lottery account, and that’s when I saw $7.19 million pending. I was in total shock and instantly thought how my dad had been right,” he recounted.
Choosing practicality, the lucky player recently visited the state’s lottery headquarters in Lansing to claim his prize and opted for a lump-sum payment of $4.9 million over an annuity.
This monumental win sets a new benchmark, surpassing the previous record for the largest prize won online, which was $5.75 million.
. That record, according to lottery officials, was achieved in quick succession – February and March of 2021 – by two players of the Lucky For Life game.
While celebrating his win, the $7.19 million Lotto 47 victor expressed plans for his newfound wealth that shine a light on his values and foresight. The winner intends to save for his children’s college education and make investments for their future.
The joys of winning big do come with societal responsibilities, and the Michigan Lottery ensures it’s proactive in addressing gambling issues. For those concerned about gambling problems, they encourage contacting the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. This helpline, operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling, serves as a resource through 27 contact centers that cover all 50 states and U.S. territories.
Lottery enthusiasts and potential winners are kept engaged through a dedicated section to explore the latest news and results, fueling the excitement and dreams of many.
In a related, less cheerful event in the financial sector, Wells Fargo found itself in the midst of a scandal when some of its employees were fired after a fake-work claim involving a keyboard simulator surfaced, according to Bloomberg reports. This stark contrast between fortuitous windfalls and corporate malfeasance highlights the unpredictable and varied fortunes in life.
As the Michigan man’s astonishing story of faith, persistence, and paternal wisdom continues to inspire, the practical applications of his winnings ensure that the fortune will benefit his family for years to come. This windfall stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful advice and the unexpected turns life can take with just a bit of good fortune.
Natalie Neysa Alund, a senior reporter for USA TODAY, brings you this extraordinary tale. For more insights, reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
