A South Carolina man opted to buy instant tickets instead of going to the casino and it paid off in a big way when he won $2 million playing the $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier instant game!

Michael Buckner, 58, bought his winning ticket at the Gladstone Mobil, located at 2009 Lake Shore Drive in Gladstone. Gladstone is about 10 miles northeast of Escanaba.

“I live in South Carolina, but I work in Escanaba,” said Buckner. “I was trying to decide between going to the casino or buying instant tickets and ended up deciding to buy instant tickets. When I scratched off the $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier game and saw I won $2 million, I didn’t think it was real. I called my girlfriend to tell her what I won, but she didn’t believe it either. It still hasn’t fully sunk in!”

“Michael made a winning decision when he spent $20 to buy a $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier instant game ticket,” said Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli. “Instant games are a popular choice with players throughout Michigan and helped the Lottery post a contribution of more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund in the 2024 fiscal year for the sixth consecutive year.”

Buckner recently visited Lottery headquarters to claim the big prize. He chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $1.3 million rather than annuity payments for the full amount. With his winnings, he plans to pay bills, share with his family, and then save the remainder.

Players have won more than $12 million playing $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier which launched in September. Each $20 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $20 up to $2 million. More than $96 million in prizes remain, including two $2 million top prizes, 19 $10,000 prizes, and 208 $2,000 prizes.

In 2023, Lottery players won nearly $1.8 billion playing instant games.

Lottery instant games may be purchased at retailers across the state.