(WWJ) When she saw it, she thought it couldn't possibly be legit.
The Michigan Lottery says an Upper Peninsula woman thought it was a scam when she logged into her Lottery account and saw she'd won $25,000 a year for life playing 'Lucky For Life.'
Patricia Royer, of Escanaba, matched the five white balls drawn on March 12: 03-13-24-36-44 to win the big prize.
The 65-year-old bought her winning ticket online at MichiganLottery.com, according to lottery officials.
Royer said she and her husband began playing Lucky for Life about a year ago, and she'd won $200 a few months ago that she'd been using to buy more tickets.
"The morning after the drawing, I was having a cup of coffee and logged in to see if I won anything. When I saw I won $25,000 a year for life I said: 'This can't be real!' I thought someone hacked my account, so I logged out and logged back in. When the prize was still in my balance, I called my son, and he told me it had to be real. I still can't fathom winning! It is unbelievable."
Royer visited Lottery headquarters recently to claim her prize, choosing to receive her winnings as a one-time lump sum payment of $390,000, rather than annuity payments of $25,000 a year for 20 years or life, whichever is greater.
With her winnings, she plans to start a scholarship on behalf of a loved one who recently passed away, and then save the remainder.
For just $2 per play, Lucky For Life gives Lottery players a chance to win prizes ranging from $3 to a lifetime of cash. To win the game's top prize of $1,000 a day for life, players must match all five winning numbers ranging from 1 to 48, plus one Lucky Ball ranging from 1 to 18. Players who match all five winning numbers, but not the Lucky Ball, will win $25,000 a year for life. Drawings take place at 10:38 p.m. seven days-a-week. Tickets may be purchased at Lottery retailers across the state and online at MichiganLottery.com.
Remember: Never gamble more than you can afford to lose. Facing a gambling problem is overwhelming, and people who get in over their heads can feel like there is no way out. If you need help, or would just like to talk with someone about it, call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.
