A Michigan man won a $1 million prize in the Michigan Lottery Major Cashword instant game, thanks to a cashier's mistake. The winner, who chose anonymity, didn't intend to play the game but kept the ticket after a mix-up at a Speedway in Paw Paw, until he went home and went to bed, saving the game for the next morning. His wife scanned the barcode, revealing the $1 million jackpot.
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"I felt like I couldn't breathe," the man told the Michigan Lottery, via PEOPLE. "I thought it was a prank at first." Paranoid about losing the ticket, he hid it in a jar and buried it in his yard. Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli noted winners often take extreme measures to protect tickets, but burying one in a jar was a first. "We're thrilled for his $1 million buried treasure," she said.
How a Mistake Led to Millions
The man requested a different ticket at the Speedway, but the cashier handed him a Major Cashword ticket by mistake. "She offered to give me the game I'd asked for, but I kept the Major Cashword ticket," he said. Launched in February 2024, the game involves matching "call letters" to complete words in a puzzle. Scratching 10 words secures the $1 million prize.
The winner discovered his fortune the next morning when his wife used the lottery app. After confirming the win, he safeguarded the ticket underground until claiming it. Shkreli said such creative hiding spots are common among stunned winners.
Plans for the Windfall
The man opted for a lump sum of $634,000 instead of incremental payments. He plans to pay off his home, clear bills, and save for retirement. "This win changes everything," he said, reflecting on his unexpected luck.
The Major Cashword game, popular in Michigan, continues to draw players with its simple yet thrilling format. The man's story highlights how a small error can lead to life-changing rewards. As he settles into his newfound wealth, the Michigan Lottery celebrates another winner's unforgettable tale.
