Michigan Man Wins $18M Lotto Jackpot On Numbers He’s Played For 30 Years

Thirty years of persistence just paid off big for a Roscommon County man.

The 61-year-old recently won an 18.41 million Lotto 47 jackpot with numbers he's been playing for three decades, according to the Michigan Lottery.

The player, who chose to remain anonymous, matched all six numbers drawn July 31 -- 3-5-10-20-28-31.

"I have been playing this set of numbers since 1991 and have rarely missed a drawing," he told the Michigan Lottery. "I've thought several times about trying a new set of numbers but decided each time to keep playing this one.

"I checked my numbers before I went to bed the night of the drawing. When I recognized the set of numbers, I checked my ticket over at least a dozen times. I was shocked!"

More: Michigan Lottery player wins $25,000 a year for life

More: Where the biggest Michigan Lottery prizes were sold in July

The ticket was purchased at the Family E-Z Mart located at 567 East Houghton Lake Drive in Prudenville, about 28 miles south of Grayling.

The player recently claimed his prize and opted to receive a one-time lump sum payment of about $11.7 million instead of annuity payments for the full amount.

He's plans to share the cash with his family, give to charities and save the rest.

"It still hasn't sunk in that I won," he said. "I am so glad I decided to stick with this set of numbers!"

Stay connected and stay informed. Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press today.

(C)2021 www.freep.com. Visit freep.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.