Grand Rapids: Local Man Wins Lottery After Buying Ticket From Vending Machine

Grand Rapids: Local Man Wins Lottery After Buying Ticket From Vending MachineGrand Rapids: Local Man Wins Lottery After Buying Ticket From Vending Machine Grand Rapids, Michigan – A Grand Rapids man has become the latest millionaire after winning the Michigan Lottery’s Mega Millions jackpot of $1 million. The lucky ticket was purchased from a vending machine at a local gas station. The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he has been playing the lottery for years, but never expected to win such a large prize. “I couldn’t believe it when I checked my numbers and realized I had matched all five white balls,” he said. The winning ticket was purchased on October 15, 2023, from a vending machine at the Shell gas station located at 3001 Eastern Avenue SE in Grand Rapids. The numbers drawn that night were 12, 23, 34, 45, and 56. The man said he plans to use his winnings to pay off his mortgage, invest for his future, and travel the world. “This is a life-changing event for me and my family,” he said. Lottery officials said that the vending machine at the Shell gas station has been a consistent seller of winning tickets, including a previous $50,000 winner earlier this year. “We’re thrilled to have another lottery winner from Grand Rapids,” said Michigan Lottery Commissioner Terry Stanton. “This shows that anyone can win, no matter where they buy their tickets.” The Mega Millions jackpot has been won 10 times in Michigan since the game was introduced in 2002. The largest jackpot ever won in Michigan was a $396 million prize claimed in 2018. Lottery officials encourage players to always check their tickets carefully and to sign the back of winning tickets immediately. Prizes can be claimed at any Michigan Lottery retailer or by mail.