A Flat Rock man plans to ramp up his retirement by buying a new home in a warmer climate after winning a $1.25 million Lotto 47 jackpot from the Michigan Lottery.

The player, who chose to remain anonymous, matched Saturday night’s Lotto 47 numbers – 04-10-15-23-28-31 – to win the jackpot. He bought his winning ticket at Mitch’s Food Market, located at 22040 Sibley Road in Brownstown Township.

“I’ve played the same three sets of numbers in each Lotto 47 drawing for as many years as I can remember,” said the player. “It was such a strange feeling to see my numbers were drawn.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I simply said ‘We’re rich.’ I had to check the numbers again on Sunday to make sure I wasn’t just dreaming.”

Each number has a special meaning to the player, and his persistence playing them over the years paid off in a big way Saturday night.

“Each number represents something,” said the player. “Some are birthdays, others are just special to my family.”

The player visited Lottery headquarters Monday to claim his big prize. He chose to take his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of $793,147 rather than an annuity.

In addition to buying a new home in a warmer climate, the retiree plans to use the remainder of his prize to continue enjoying retirement with his wife.

Each Lotto 47 play is only $1. Players select six numbers from one to 47 for a chance to win a jackpot starting at $1 million and that grows until someone wins it. For an additional $1 per game, players may add EZMatch to their ticket for a chance to win up to $500 instantly. Lotto 47 drawings take place on Wednesday and Saturday at 7:29 p.m. Tickets may be purchased until 7:08 p.m. on the day of the drawing.