A Montcalm County man thought he'd won $5,000 on a Michigan Lottery scratch-off ticket before discovering he had actually won a $1 million top prize playing a Michigan Lottery instant game.
The 75-year-old, who chose to remain anonymous, won the prize playing his favorite game, King Cashword, according to the Michigan Lottery. He purchased the ticket at Maple Valley Market, 106 W. Second St. in Trufant, about 35 miles northeast of Grand Rapids.
"When I scratched this ticket, I thought I won $5,000 and I was thrilled!" he told the Michigan Lottery. "I looked at the ticket a few more times, which is when I realized I missed the 'L' in the call letter box and actually won $1 million.
"I was in disbelief, so I drove over an hour to the Lottery office
in Grand Rapids so I could have them check the ticket and confirm that it really was a $1 million winner. I’m still shaky and in shock at the thought of winning this much money!"
He recently claimed his prize and chose to receive a one-time lump-sum payment of about $693,000 rather than annuity payments for the full amount.
He plans to use the money to donate to charities, help others and start a trust fund for his children.
King Cashword costs $20 to play. The game launched with three $1 million top prizes. All have been claimed.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan man thought he won $5,000 before finding $1 million prize
