September 22, 2025

Michigan Man Wins $2 Million Lottery Jackpot After Game Switch

St. Joseph County, Michigan, September 22, 2025

News Summary

A 66-year-old resident of St. Joseph County, Michigan has won a staggering $2 million from a $20 lottery scratch-off ticket. Initially believing he had lost, he uncovered a second ‘$2MIL’ symbol, confirming his life-changing win. Opting for a lump sum of $1.3 million, he plans to retire early and travel with his wife. This win highlights a growing trend of players finding success by trying different lottery games.

St. Joseph County, Michigan – A 66-year-old resident has hit the jackpot, winning a remarkable $2 million after purchasing a lottery ticket for a game he had not previously played. The winning ticket, a $20 lottery scratch-off for the $2,000,000 Lucky instant game, represents a significant change in the man’s lottery purchasing habits, as he typically opts for $5 or $10 tickets.

Upon scratching off the ticket, the man was initially disheartened, believing he had lost after revealing the first ‘$2MIL’ symbol. However, his fortune shifted dramatically when he uncovered a second ‘$2MIL’ symbol. Uncertain of the win’s legitimacy, he brought the ticket back to the gas station where it was purchased. There, an employee scanned the ticket and provided him a slip directing him to file a claim at the Lottery office, confirming that he indeed won the large prize.

Rather than receiving his winnings as an annuity over several years, the winner chose a lump sum payment of $1.3 million. This substantial financial boost will allow him to retire earlier than planned and enjoy travel with his wife. Lottery officials commented on his unexpected triumph, crediting it to his willingness to try a different game, which ultimately paid off.

This win comes amid a growing trend of individuals winning large sums by switching their lottery ticket choices. Just recently, in Illinois, another player named Clarence Neuenkirchen won $200,000 after similarly deciding to change his ticket type. Neuenkirchen intends to use his winnings to secure his retirement, contribute to his grandchildren’s education funds, and fund a trip to the Gulf, with aspirations of possibly visiting France.

The $2,000,000 Lucky game that the St. Joseph County man played involves players scratching off a ticket to match numbers in order to win prizes. The format allows for multiple winning opportunities per ticket, which adds to its appeal. This instant-win lottery game has gained popularity since its launch, enticing a diverse range of players to test their luck with larger ticket denominations.

As lottery participation remains a common form of entertainment and hope for many individuals and families, stories like that of this Michigan man shine a light on the successes that can emerge from trying something new. With changing lottery purchasing habits, players may find that the key to winning big could simply lie in delving into different games or higher-ticket options.

While the winning numbers and luck can be unpredictable, these narratives provide encouragement for lottery enthusiasts to remain open-minded about their choices and the potential rewards that may await them. The Michigan man’s story serves as a reminder that fortune may favor those who are willing to take a chance.

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