A Kalamazoo County man was left speechless after winning a $2.5 million Lotto 47 jackpot from the Michigan Lottery.
The lucky player, who chose to remain anonymous, matched all six Lotto 47 numbers drawn May 26: 02-03-09-18-20-23. He bought the winning ticket at Stillwater’s Market, located at 7058 West Q Ave in Kalamazoo.
“I saw on the Michigan Lottery website where the winning Lotto 47 ticket was bought, and I thought: ‘This could be significant,’” said the player. “I went out to my car to grab my wallet and checked my ticket. When I saw I matched all six numbers, I woke my wife up to double check it for me.
“At first, she didn’t believe anything I was saying, but after she read the ticket for herself she was just as stunned as I was. We spent the next hour or so sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee and staring at each other because we didn’t know what to say.”
The 45-year-old player visited Lottery headquarters Friday to claim the big prize. He chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $1.6 million, rather than annuity payments for the full amount.
With his winnings, the player plans to pay bills, set up a college fund for his children, and then invest the remainder for his retirement.
“It’s hard to explain how winning feels. The best way to put it, is to say that it gives my family a lot more comfort,” the player said.
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.