By David Fleet
Editor
Ortonville— There was a new millionaire in the village.
On June 18 a Lotto 47 player purchased a $1 ticket at Tom’s Market, 465 South St., that paid $1.85 million. As of press time Thursday the winner has not stepped forward.
“We appreciate your business and Tom’s Market is a lucky store,” he said.
Tom’s Market sells about 1,000 Lotto 47 tickets per week and they will make $5,000 on the winning ticket.
Jake Harris, player relations manager for the Michigan Lottery said the lucky winner has the options of about $62,000 per year for 30 years or a lump $1.3 million payout.
“Most winners take the lump sum option,” said Harris. “The payout can go to a beneficiary so it’s guaranteed. After all, it pays to play the lottery.”
Last year the Michigan Lottery paid $1.419 billion for Michigan Schools, he said.
“While Tom’s Market sold the lucky ticket this time, the game is totally random,” he said. “You could win in Detroit or Marquette. Since more people live in southeastern Michigan there will be more winners downstate.”
Harris said the record unclaimed prize was $34 million for a ticket sold at a Meijer Store on Lake Lansing Road, East Lansing in 1998.
“Unclaimed tickets are very rare,” said Harris. “Less than 1 percent of the time.”