
Michelle Faysal and her husband, Elie, pose for a photo after collecting her $1 million Mega Millions prize.
A Canadian woman will never forget vacationing in Michigan after winning $1 million playing Mega Millions.
Michelle Faysal, of Ontario, matched the five white balls drawn – 08-12-23-51-73 – in the July 18 Mega Millions drawing to win a $1 million prize. She bought her ticket at the BP gas station, located at 15255 Hall Road in Macomb.
“My husband and I stopped for gas on our way to visit friends for our vacation,” said Faysal. “I like playing the Lottery when I visit the states, but had never played Mega Millions before. The clerk explained the game to me and I bought five Easy Pick tickets.
“We were back in Canada when the drawing took place and I was overcome with joy when I saw I had won such a huge prize.”
Faysal visited Lottery headquarters Monday to claim her big prize. With her winnings she plans to pay some bills, share some with family, and then save the remainder.
Faysal is the second Michigan Lottery player to win a $1 million Mega Millions prize in July. On July 4, a player won $1 million with a ticket that was bought at the Exxon gas station, located at 24938 Ford Road in Dearborn Heights. That prize has yet to be claimed.
The winner should contact the Michigan Lottery Public Relations Division at (517) 373-1237 to schedule an appointment to collect the big prizes. The prizes must be claimed at the Lottery’s headquarters in Lansing. Tickets for Mega Millions are valid for one year from the drawing date.
Mega Millions drawings take place each Tuesday and Friday evening. Each Mega Millions play is only $1. For an additional $1 per play, players have the opportunity to add a “Megaplier” that can multiply non-jackpot prizes by up to five times. Mega Millions tickets are sold in 44 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Tickets for Mega Millions drawings may be purchased at the Lottery’s 11,000 retailers around the state until 10:45 p.m. the day of the drawing.