(WWJ) A Macomb County woman is celebrating a Lottery win that she says is big enough to change her life.
Shayla Kauflin of Warren won the big prize when her Lucky For Life ticket matched the five white balls drawn on Oct. 9: 09-13-17-30-38, according to the Michigan Lottery.
The 39-year-old bought the winning ticket online at MichiganLottery.com — after never having played the game before.
"This ticket was the very first Lucky For Life ticket I have ever bought," said Kauflin. "When I was purchasing my Powerball tickets online, I saw the Lucky For Life game listed and thought: 'Why not?' and bought $10 worth of tickets.
"I logged in to my Lottery account the next day to see if I'd won anything, and when I saw $390,000 pending, I started screaming, crying, and freaking out! I called my husband to tell him how much I'd won, and he was concerned at first because he thought something was wrong.
"Winning is indescribable! It feels like the weight of the world has been taken off my shoulders," she said. "It may not be enough money to change the world, but it's enough money to change my world!"
Kauflin, who visited Lottery headquarters recently to claim her prize, says she'll be taking her family to Disney and making some investments.
She chose 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.
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 money 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 just to talk to someone, call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.
