Ingham County Man Wins $1 Million Playing Michigan Lottery’s Millionaire Maker

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A 55-year-old man from Ingham County just turned his favorite hobby into a $1 million payday — and it all started with a $50 scratch-off.

The lucky winner scored big playing the Millionaire Maker instant game from the Michigan Lottery. And here’s the fun part — he says he only buys $50 tickets.

Here’s how it happened

He picked up a Millionaire Maker ticket at Louie’s Party Store in Lansing. Instead of scratching the whole thing right away, he scanned the barcode first.

When the machine told him to file a claim, he headed out to his car to finish scratching the ticket.

That’s when it hit.

“I was so excited when I saw I won $1 million, I could barely focus enough to drive home,” he said. “It still hasn’t fully sunk in.”

The Big Decision 💰

After claiming his prize, he chose the one-time lump sum payment of about $693,000 instead of annual payments for the full $1 million.

What’s next for the winner?

He’s keeping things simple and smart:

  • ✔️ Paying off his home

  • ✔️ Buying a new truck

Not a bad way to celebrate a life-changing win.

About the Game

  • Millionaire Maker tickets cost $50

  • The game features two top prizes of $6 million

  • There are 12 total $1 million prizes, and he grabbed one of them

For someone who sticks to $50 instant tickets, this win proves sometimes going big really can pay off.