A Jackson County man is one step closer to retirement after winning a $1 million prize playing the Michigan Lottery’s Millionaire Maker instant game.

“I’ve been buying one Millionaire Maker ticket a week since the game came out,” said the lucky 48-year-old player, who chose to remain anonymous. “I scratched the ‘Your Numbers’ section of the ticket first and saw 44 had ‘$1MIL’ underneath it. Then I scratched the ‘Winning Numbers’ section next. When I revealed 44 as one of my winning numbers, I thought: ‘This can’t be real!’ I tried to stay calm, but I was so excited.”

The player bought his winning ticket at Lakeside Convenience Store, located at 506 5th Street in Michigan Center. Michigan Center is about five miles east of Jackson. He recently visited Lottery headquarters to claim the big prize. He chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $693,000 rather than annuity payments for the full amount. He plans to save his winnings for retirement.

Players have won more than $78 million playing Millionaire Maker, which launched in September 2025. Each $50 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $50 up to $6 million. More than $233 million in prizes remain, including one $6 million top prize, 10 $1 million prizes, and 48 $10,000 prizes.

In 2024, Lottery players won nearly $1.8 billion playing instant games.

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