Man Rides Win Streak, Turns $500 Lottery Earnings Into $4-Million Jackpot Prize

A Michigan man who won a $500 lottery prize reportedly ended up bagging a massive $4-million jackpot after buying five $30 scratch-off tickets with his initial earnings.

The lucky 74-year-old winner from Macomb County, who chose to remain anonymous, reportedly won just a $500 prize from a scratch-off ticket at first. However, he would then spend his initial lottery winnings to buy five $150-Million Cash Explosion tickets for $30 each from the Smoker's Outlet of Warren store, located at 31900 Ryan Road in Warren, United Press International reported.

"I buy tickets twice a week, and I had hit for $500 on my previous purchase so I decided to buy five of the $150 Million Cash Explosion tickets," the 74-year-old player said.

After purchasing the tickets, he scratched off the barcodes while still inside the Smoker's Outlet of Warren store. After scratching the stubs, he then used the shop's scanner to see if he had won any prizes. The lucky man reportedly won $100 on the first ticket he scratched.

"The first was a $100 winner and the last one said to file a claim," the player said.

"When I saw that message, I knew it had to be big. I finished scratching the ticket and I was floored when I saw the $4-million prize. I'm still in shock and, I know it won't hit me until the check is in the bank," the winner said.

When asked about what he plans to do with the prize money, the winner said that he intends to buy a new vehicle, travel around the country, and share some of the prize money with his family, Michigan Lottery Connect reported.

"I keep looking at the ticket expecting to realize that I am seeing it wrong, I can't believe I won $4 million," the player said.

The lucky player has visited the state lottery headquarters to claim his winning prize and decided to take home a one-time lump sum of about $2.5 million rather than annuity payments totaling $4 million.

The $150 Million Cash Explosion game was launched in August 2020 and players have so far won more than $161 million in winnings. Each ticket costs about $30 ticket and offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $30 up to $4 million.