A 73-year-old Michigan resident has claimed the largest prize in Lotto 47 history after faithfully playing the same six numbers for 20 years, lottery officials said. The player, who asked to remain anonymous, matched 02-03-12-15-16-33 in the December 13 drawing to secure a $3.29 million jackpot. The Michigan Lottery confirmed the win this week and processed the claim at its headquarters.
The winner said he bought the ticket as part of his routine, a habit he has kept for years. At first, he checked the ticket and saw three matches, assuming he had earned a small prize. However, as he reviewed the remaining numbers, he realized every selection aligned with the draw. “I rubbed my eyes and checked again,” he said, describing the moment as surreal.
Family reaction and next steps
He immediately called his children to share the news. Initially, they doubted the claim; nevertheless, excitement grew as the verification became clear. Lottery officials noted that such reactions are common when players receive life-changing news.
Meanwhile, the Michigan Lottery urged players to sign tickets, store them securely, and verify results through official channels. The agency added that consistent play does not improve odds; instead, every draw remains independent. Even so, the winner’s story has already inspired conversations across the state about perseverance and patience.
After completing the claim process, the man said he plans to manage the windfall carefully. He intends to support his family, cover everyday expenses, and set aside savings for the future. Ultimately, he credited routine and optimism for keeping him in the game long enough to win there.
