Metro Detroit Man Claims Record-Breaking $32.9M Lottery Ticket

CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI — A metro Detroit man has claimed a record-breaking $32.9 million lotto 47 ticket, according to Michigan Lottery officials.

The lucky 73-year-old player, who chose to remain anonymous, bought the winning ticket at Wild Bills Tobacco, located at 46518 Gratiot Avenue in Chesterfield Township, lottery officials said.

The winning ticket matched all six numbers (02-03-12-15-16-33) in the Dec. 13 drawing, lottery officials said.

The man told lottery officials he has been playing the same set of numbers for 20 years.

"When I checked my ticket, I saw right away I matched three numbers and thought: ‘At least I got $5 back.’ When I saw I matched the rest of the numbers, I rubbed my eyes and checked my ticket again because I couldn’t believe what I was seeing," he said.

He then said he called his kids and told them, but they didn’t believe him, so they came to check the ticket themselves.

"We were so excited! You never expect to win a prize like this, so it still hasn’t fully sunk in," he said.

He chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $22.8 million, rather than annuity payments for the full amount, lottery officials said.

With his winnings, he said he plans to buy a new pair of shoes, a new car and share with his family.

"Honestly, the first thing on my list is just treating myself to a new pair of shoes," the man said, laughing. "I also plan to share some of my winnings with my family and get a new car."