written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
07 Aug 2024
Journalist, Editorial Department
A resident of Oakland County, Michigan, has won a $2 million jackpot in the Michigan Lottery, thanks to a ticket purchased by a friend.
"When my friend goes to buy lottery tickets, I always give him some money and ask him to get a couple for me. This time, he picked the Jackson game. When I saw that I had won $2 million, my jaw dropped to the floor and stayed there! I was absolutely thrilled, and honestly, I’m still in shock! I can’t even explain what I feel after winning such a huge amount," said the 54-year-old winner, who wished to remain anonymous.
The lucky ticket was bought at Orchard Market Place, located at 31511 West 13 Mile Road in Farmington Hills. The winner opted for a lump-sum payment of $1.3 million.
"I haven’t told anyone about the win, except for the friend who bought the ticket for me, but I plan to surprise my family soon by showing them my big check," he added.
The man intends to use his winnings to pay for his children's college education, while the remaining amount will be invested.
"When players receive such amazing payouts, it’s an unforgettable sight. The Jackson instant lottery game was launched in May of this year. It has become very popular and has helped us contribute $1 billion to the School Aid Fund for the sixth consecutive time," said lottery representative Suzanna Shkreli.
The previous Michigan winner of a Mega Millions or Powerball jackpot was the Breakfast Club, which won $842 million in June 2024. The members of the organization plan to use their winnings to buy a home in Florida and travel.
Lottery officials also reminded players to check their tickets immediately, as a $1 million Mega Millions prize sold in Southfield in 2023 remains unclaimed. Instead, the funds have been directed to the state’s School Aid Fund.
It’s worth noting that casino players tend to have higher incomes and better credit scores compared to those who do not gamble.