(WWJ) A Macomb County man found himself holding a ticket worth a whopping $500,000 from the Michigan Lottery’s "25 Days of Winning" instant game.
For reasons unknown, he ended up waiting nearly an entire year before coming forward to claim the cash.
According to officials with the Michigan Lottery, 68-year-old winner, who chose to stay anonymous, picked up the $10 scratch-off at the M & H Petro gas station on 15 Mile Road in Clinton Township.
Buying scratch-offs has long been a festive tradition in his household, but last Christmas took an unexpected turn when what he first thought was a decent cash prize turned out to be a whole lot more.
“Every year for Christmas, my wife and I buy lottery tickets for the whole family,” the player explained. “During our family Christmas party last year, our son fanned the tickets out and went around to each family member and had them pick one. Once everyone had a ticket, we all sat down and started scratching. After a minute or two went by, someone yelled out: ‘Anyone win anything yet?’ I said that I’d won something, but I thought it was only $500. A family member pulled up the Lottery app and scanned the ticket, and then looked at me and said, ‘Uh, you have a few more zeros than that!’ I couldn’t believe it when they told me it was a $500,000 winner!”
After keeping the ticket safe for months, the winner recently stopped by Michigan Lottery headquarters to claim the prize.
He doesn't intend to spend it, the man said, but plans to stash the money away as a comfortable financial cushion.
The $500,000 top prize was part of the holiday-themed "25 Days of Winning" game, which handed out more than $18 million in total prizes to Michigan scratch-off fans.
Remember: Never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Facing a gambling problem can be overwhelming, and people who get in over their heads can feel like there is no way out. If you think you need help, or just want to talk to someone, call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.
