'I Went Numb': Metro Detroit Man Wins $4M On Scratch-Off Ticket

WARREN, MI — A Macomb County man almost tossed a scratch-off ticket worth $4 million, according to Michigan Lottery officials.

The lucky 43-year-old player, who chose to remain anonymous, bought his winning Magnificent Millions ticket at the 9 Mile Stop and Go, located at 28955 Van Dyke in Warren, according to lottery officials.

"When I play instant games, I skip around when I scratch the ticket off," said the player. "I thought I had scratched everything off and didn’t see any winning matches, so I tossed the ticket aside."

The man told lottery officials he decided to double-check the scratch-off ticket at a gas station just to be sure he hadn't missed anything.

"When I scanned it and got the message to file a claim, I knew I had missed something on the ticket," said the player. "When I looked it over again, I saw a spot I forgot to scratch. When I revealed I was a $4 million winner I went numb!"

The man chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $2.7 million rather than annuity payments for the full amount, according to lottery officials.

He plans to save his winnings, according to lottery officials.

"This incredible story is a great reminder to always double check your tickets to make sure you don’t miss a winner," said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.