LANSING, May 24, 2002 – A lucky Mt. Morris man recently won a pocketful of cash after scratching off a Michigan Lottery "Lifetime of Cash" instant ticket worth $1,000-a-week for life!

Due to a recent federal law change, the winner was given the option of taking his prize payments in one lump sum, instead of as equal yearly payments for the rest of his life.

The 45-year-old winner, who requested anonymity, chose to take the prize payment in a one-time lump sum payment of $750,000—the present cash value of the game’s top prize, before taxes. The cash value of the prize was determined by looking at the average prize value (based on life expectancy of prize claimants) of $1,000-a-week prizes awarded in past Michigan Lottery games of this type.

The winning ticket was purchased at Sami’s Stop & Save, 7515 N. Clio Road, in Mt. Morris.

"I stopped at the gas station and bought two ‘Lifetime of Cash’ instant tickets," the winner said. "I scratched them off in the car, and I didn’t have my glasses on, so I wasn’t sure if I was seeing the winning ticket correctly. I took the ticket back to the retailer, and after he verified that it was a winner, he leaned over the counter and started hugging and congratulating me!"

The lucky winner kept the ticket in his pocket at all times to ensure its safety before turning it in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing. Though he has no plans for his winnings at this time, there is no doubt he and his family will enjoy their recent Lottery luck!

"Lifetime of Cash" is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant games available at more than 9,000 Lottery retailers statewide.

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