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St. Joseph County Man Wins $2 Million Lottery Prize

Colorful lottery scratch-off ticket showcasing winning symbols.

St. Joseph County, Michigan, September 22, 2025

News Summary

A 66-year-old resident of St. Joseph County, Michigan, won a $2 million lottery prize after changing his ticket choices. Initially believing he hadn’t won, he uncovered a second $2MIL symbol and had it verified at a gas station. Opting for a lump sum payment, he plans to use his winnings for retirement and travel. His story highlights how trying different lottery games can lead to unexpected wins.

St. Joseph County, Michigan, Man Wins $2 Million Lottery Prize After Changing Ticket Choices

A resident of St. Joseph County, Michigan, has become one of the recent winners of a substantial lottery prize, after selecting an unconventional approach to his gaming routine. The 66-year-old man secured a $2 million prize by purchasing a ticket from an instant game variety, marking a notable shift from his usual practices.

Details of the Winning Ticket

The man bought a $20 lottery ticket as part of the $2,000,000 Lucky instant game. This game involves matching numbers to win prizes and provides players with six chances to win on a single ticket. Although he typically prefers $5 and $10 tickets, he decided to try his luck with this newer game, an action that ultimately led to his big win.

The Moment of Victory

After scratching the ticket, the man initially believed he had not won, since the first revealing of a $2MIL symbol appeared to be a losing result. However, upon uncovering a second identical $2MIL symbol, he decided to have the ticket scanned at the gas station where he purchased it. The station employee confirmed the ticket’s substantial prize, instructing the man to file a claim directly with the Lottery office.

Claim Process and Payment

Following verification, the man chose a lump sum payment of $1.3 million before taxes, instead of opting for annuity payments spread over several years. This decision allows him to access his winnings immediately for personal use, including plans for early retirement and international travel with his wife.

Significance of the Win

Lottery officials praised the man for stepping outside his usual routine and trying a different game, which contributed to his unexpected success. His story reflects a broader trend of lottery players experiencing wins after making variations in their standard purchasing habits.

Recent Trends in Lottery Wins

The phenomenon isn’t isolated. Another recent example involves a player in Illinois who switched ticket choices and won $200,000. That individual also plans to use his winnings for retirement, educational expenses for grandchildren, and travel, including trips to the Gulf and possibly to France.

Background Context

These stories highlight how taking small risks or trying different lottery games can sometimes lead to significant financial gains. While lotteries are primarily games of chance, a changing approach—such as selecting different ticket types or games—can impact outcomes. Such accounts continue to attract attention as examples of luck and the potential benefits for players willing to explore beyond their routine selections.

The Michigan man’s story underscores the potential rewards of embracing different strategies when purchasing lottery tickets, though it remains a game of chance for all players involved. His win serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and the lasting allure of playing the lottery, especially when diversifying ticket choices.

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STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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