LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — A 59-year-old Oakland County man discovered a $4 million winning Michigan Lottery ticket he had unknowingly stored in a drawer for months. This revelation came as a result of his unique approach to playing the lottery, where he intentionally avoids scratching off prize amounts until he is ready to cash in the tickets.

The anonymous winner purchased his Millionaire’s Club instant game ticket at the Marathon gas station located at 3232 W. Walton Blvd. in Waterford. Following his usual habit, he put the ticket away without scratching off the prize amount, intending to cash it in when he needed extra money.

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“About three months later, I remembered I still had the ticket, and I took it to the store to cash it,” he said. “I got a message to file a claim at the Lottery office, so I finally scratched the amount. When I saw it was a $4 million winner, I was amazed. I couldn’t even fathom it. It’s been very hard to wrap my head around!”

He recently visited the Michigan Lottery headquarters in Lansing to claim his prize and chose to receive a lump sum payment of approximately $2.7 million instead of annuity payments. With his newfound wealth, he plans to invest and start a new company, contributing to the local economy.

The Michigan Lottery, a contributor to public education funding, sees its impact amplified when winners invest their fortunes back into their communities.

In 2023, for instance, a $1 million Mega Millions prize sold in Southfield went unclaimed and was redirected to the state’s School Aid Fund.

Similarly, the Wolverine FLL lottery club won a $1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot in March 2021 and committed to giving back to the community.

So next time you stash away a lottery ticket, remember, there’s always a chance you could be sitting on a multi-million dollar fortune.