A trio from Michigan ushered in the New Year with a incredible stroke of luck, winning a massive $842.4 million Powerball jackpot on January 1. The three members, who constitute a group charmingly named “The Breakfast Club,” have opted to maintain their anonymity but shared the unfolding of their big win with lottery officials.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Food Castle in Grand Blanc, located roughly 60 miles north of Detroit. According to a press release from the Michigan Lottery, it’s a customary practice for two members of the group to buy Powerball tickets whenever the jackpot swells to a significant million-dollar figure.
On New Year’s Day, the winning white ball numbers drawn were 12-21-42-44-49, and the red Powerball was 01. The following day brought shocking news for the club members when the jackpot win was announced. One of the club members noticed that the winning ticket had been sold at Food Castle, the very same spot where he had purchased his ticket. As he compared the numbers on his phone with those drawn, it became evident that they were indeed the lucky winners. Despite their newfound fortune, he and his wife decided to proceed with their daily routines, going to work as usual.
“This experience has been a whirlwind of emotions for the club members,” said Attorney Mark Harder, who claimed the prize on behalf of the group, during an announcement to the lottery officials. “They’ve felt elated and overwhelmed, thrilled and nervous. From the initial shock and countless sleepless nights, they’ve now started thinking deeply about how this once-in-a-lifetime event will impact their lives.”
The trio opted for the lump-sum cash payment option, which results in an estimated payout of $425 million. Food Castle, where the life-changing ticket was sold, is also basking in the glory, receiving a $50,000 bonus commission. “Every penny of this $50,000 will be donated to our employees and community,” proudly stated Bill Nannoshi, the owner of Food Castle.
An anonymous member of The Breakfast Club shared with lottery officials that winning the jackpot has unlocked numerous new opportunities for them, ranging from global travel and early retirement to the ability to support immediate family members and local nonprofits. “Until now, we have lived a comfortable life and anticipated retiring someday,” the group member reflected. “Now, we’re no longer constrained by a specific financial timetable. The world and our opportunities have dramatically expanded. This has truly been a life-changing event for us.”
For those dreaming of a similar fortune, obtaining a $2 Powerball ticket is straightforward. You can purchase tickets at any convenience store, gas station, or grocery store.
. In a few states, purchasing tickets online is also an option.
To play the game, players are required to choose six numbers for their ticket. Five of these will come from a set of white balls numbered 1 to 69, while the sixth number is the red Powerball, which is numbered between 1 and 26. To enhance the chances of winning, an optional “Power Play” can be added for an extra $1. This multiplier boosts the winnings for all non-jackpot prizes and can increase them by 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, or 10X.
Players can also opt for a “Quick Pick” ticket, which allows the cashier to provide them with a computer-generated combination of numbers. Powerball drawings take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights. If there is no jackpot winner, the prize money continues to accumulate, increasing by millions with each drawing.
Tickets are available for purchase at an array of locations including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also offer them. Additionally, consumers can purchase tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. This service is accessible in several U.S. states and territories including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app enables users to pick their lottery game and numbers, place their order, view their ticket, and collect their winnings all from their phone or home computer.
Jackpocket stands as the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett, the parent company of USA TODAY, may earn revenue from audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Note that players must be 18 years or older, with age requirements of 21+ in Arizona and 19+ in Nebraska. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery.
For those facing gambling issues, help is available through various hotlines, including 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) for New York residents, 1-800-327-5050 for Massachusetts, 1-877-MYLIMIT for Oregon, 1-800-981-0023 for Puerto Rico, and 1-800-GAMBLER for all other locations. Full terms and conditions can be reviewed on Jackpocket’s official website.
