WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – A Wayne County man said he is looking forward to a "new life" after winning $1 million playing the Michigan Lottery's Hit $500 instant game.
The man, who chose to remain anonymous, bought his winning ticket at the Mobil gas station, located at 26320 Van Born Road in Dearborn Heights.
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"I bought three tickets that day: Fast Cash, Golden Wild Time and the Hit $500 ticket," he said. "The third time was a charm because I won $1 million on the third ticket I bought.
"I called my brother and told him to come see me immediately so that I could tell him I'd won. I didn't sleep much at all the night I scratched the ticket. The next day, I gathered my family members and gave them a copy of the ticket and let them figure it out for themselves that I had won $1 million."
The player visited lottery headquarters Tuesday to claim his big prize. He chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $634,000, rather than an annuity. With his winnings, the player plans to pay off his student loans, and buy a new home and new car.
"Winning is an amazing feeling," he said. "It’s like I have a new life now."