Michigan woman nets $6 million off Millionaire Maker scratch-off ticket

For one Michigan family, the night ended with champagne, happy tears, and the words “we’re millionaires.”

“I play lottery here and there because I like the thrill and it’s just fun, but I never expect to win big,” said the lucky 63-year-old player. “I traded in some winning tickets for a Millionaire Maker ticket and scratched the ticket later that night.

“I uncovered the money bag symbol but scratched off the rest of the ticket before uncovering the winning amount. When I finally scratched it and saw ‘$6MIL’, I went into shock. I frantically called my daughter, and she thought she was going to have a heart attack after I told her I’d just won $6 million! I called my husband next and told him I had a big surprise for him when he got home. Shortly after, my daughter showed up with a bottle of champagne to celebrate and then my husband arrived and I got to tell him that we’re millionaires! We spent the rest of the night celebrating the big win.”

She purchased the winning ticket at Exit 76 – Westphalia, located at 305 South Westphalia Street in Westphalia. Westphalia is nearly 25 miles northwest of Lansing. 

After recently visiting Lottery headquarters to claim her prize, she decided on a lump sum payout of around $4.1 million over annuity payments. She intends to use the money for her grandchildren’s college savings and charitable contributions.

“I don’t plan to change my life much, but I will use the money to change lives,” said the winner. “I want to use my winnings as a bonus to help others.”

Michigan Lottery players have won over $60 million playing Millionaire Maker, which launched in Sept. 2025.

Each $50 ticket gives players a shot at prizes ranging from $50 up to $6 million, with more than $251 million in prizes remaining. Including one $6 million top prize, 12 $1 million prizes and 52 $10,000 prizes.

Michigan offers a 24-hour, toll-free problem gambling helpline at 1-800-270-7117. More resources are available at Michigan.gov/mgcb. 

The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-GAMBLER. 

The network is a single national access point to local resources for people seeking help for a gambling problem. The network has 28 contact centers that provide resources and referrals for all 50 states and U.S. territories. Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential. 

Help is also available via an online peer support forum at GamTalk.org.