GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) (8/15/2019) - A Genesee County man became the newest millionaire after playing a scratch off instant lottery game.
The lucky 56-year-old winner, who wants to remain anonymous, bought a Millionaire Maker ticket at Mike's Super Save on South Saginaw Street in Burton worth $1 million.
"I always buy my tickets at Mike's," he said. "Sometimes I play Club Keno, but usually I buy instant games. The Millionaire Maker ticket caught my eye, so I bought one."
The big winner scratched off the ticket in the parking and felt a "wave of excitement" when the "1MIL" symbol appeared.
The player claimed the prize recently at Michigan Lottery headquarters in Lansing. He chose to receive a lump sum payment of about $634,000 rather than annuity payments for the full $1 million.
He plans use his winnings to retire early.
Michigan Lottery says players have claimed more than $37 million from the Millionaire Maker game, which launched in April. Each $20 ticket offers a chance to win prizes ranging from $40 up to $1 million.
Lottery officials say tickets with prizes totaling $61 million remain, including seven more $1 million winners.
