A Michigan man had an unforgettable reaction to winning a $5.46 million lottery prize.
The 43-year-old winner, who remained anonymous, purchased his Lotto 47 ticket from a Speedway gas station in Kalamazoo, according to a news release. He told state lottery officials he’d play the game “once in a while, and decided to buy a few tickets on a whim.”
But he had a hunch that he’d win: “When I saw the jackpot was over $5 million, I told my family: ‘That money is going to be mine!’”
The Van Buren County resident’s Lotto 47 ticket matched the numbers from the April 23 drawing: 13-25-30-35-38-46.
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The man ‘ran out the door and down the street’
The man said that finding out he hit the jackpot was “so surreal” and that he checked his numbers multiple times to be certain.
“Once I was sure I’d really won the jackpot, I ran out the door and down the street because I was so excited!” he said to lottery officials.
He chose to receive his prize money as an estimated $182,000 annual payment over a 30-year period. The other option was a lump sum of $3.7 million.
The winner plans to use his new fortune for his wife and kids.
Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli said in the news release that the gas station where the ticket was purchased will “receive a $5,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket.”
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michigan man wins $5.46 million lottery prize: ‘So surreal’
