The good news is a Berrien County fan of the Michigan Lottery has won $1-million playing the Triple Millions instant game. The bad news for those of you hoping to catch some of the mojo by buying a ticket at the same place is that she wasn’t shopping locally at the time.
Lottery officials say that the unidentified, long-time Michigan Lottery player got the windfall she’d been praying for, winning $1 million playing the Triple Millions game, after buying her ticket on the road.
The lucky player, who chose to remain anonymous, bought her lucky ticket at the Exit 76 Auto Truck Plaza, located at 460 76th Street Northwest in Byron Center.
She told lottery officials, “I’ve played the Lottery for years, and always thought about what I’d do if I won.” She adds, “I still can’t believe I really won!”
The lucky 65-year-old player visited Lottery headquarters back on Friday to claim her prize. She chose to receive her prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $634,500, rather than a 30-year annuity. With her winnings, she plans to pay bills, donate to her church, buy a brand new car, and then save the remainder.
Players have won more than $26 million playing Triple Millions, which originally launched in April 2017. Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $1 million. More than $21 million in prizes remain, including one $1 million top prize, 10 $10,000 prizes, and 73 $1,000 prizes.
You don’t have to travel to the same place as the lucky winner, however, inasmuch as Lottery instant games can be purchased at 11,000 retailers across the state, including many right here in Berrien County.
In 2016, Lottery players won nearly $817 million playing instant games.
About 97 cents of every dollar spent on Lottery tickets benefits the state in the form of contributions to the state School Aid Fund, prizes to players and commissions to retailers and vendors. In 2016, the Lottery provided a record $888.9 million to help support Michigan’s public schools. Since it began in 1972, the Lottery has contributed more than $20.5 billion to support public education. For additional information, follow the Michigan Lottery on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and online at www.michiganlottery.com.
