'This Time, It Really Paid Off': Oakland County Man Wins $200K Powerball Prize

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI — An Oakland County man, who always picks his kid's birthdays to play the lottery, won a $200,000 Powerball prize, according to the Michigan Lottery.

James Allen, of Commerce Township, matched four white balls and the Powerball (10-11-19-26-27, PB 07) in the Dec. 30 drawing to win a $50,000 prize, according to the Michigan Lottery.

With the Power Play, the prize was multiplied to $200,000. He bought his winning ticket at Hoops Food, Sport, and Spirits, located at 2705 Lapeer Road in Auburn Hills, according to the Michigan Lottery.

"I checked my ticket and went to bed thinking I had won $50,000 because I forgot about the Powerplay add-on game," Allen told lottery officials. "When I woke up in the morning, I checked again and realized I had actually won $200,000!"

"Every time I play Powerball, I pick my kids’ birthdays," he added. "This time, it really paid off!"

With his winnings, he plans to pay bills, according to the Michigan Lottery.