'I Thought It Said $2,000!': Michigan Woman, 71, Stunned To Discover She'd Won $100,000 a Year for Life

A 71-year-old woman from Ingham County, Michigan, has become one of just two people ever to win £77,000 ($100,000) a year for life on the state's new 'Millionaire For Life' game. She initially mistook the life-changing prize for a mere £1,540 ($2,000) during a routine check of her online lottery account.

The woman, who has asked to remain anonymous, was logging into her Michigan Lottery account on the morning of 21 August to complete a 'Daily Spin to Win' promotion when a pop-up alerted her to a major win from the previous night's draw. It was only on a second look that she realised the true value of the prize, describing the discovery as 'unbelievable'.

She had matched all five white balls drawn on 20 August, which were 01, 16, 26, 40 and 44, securing the second-tier prize in the Michigan Lottery's Millionaire For Life game. Matching the additional Millionaire Ball number would have delivered the top prize of £770,000 ($1 million) a year for life.

Quiet Morning Log-in Becomes Life-Changing Moment

Unlike many lottery wins, this one came without the drama of an in-person purchase. The Michigan Lottery confirmed the woman had bought her entry through MichiganLottery.com rather than at a retail counter.

Millionaire For Life launched on 22 February and costs £3.85 ($5) per play, with entrants choosing five numbers from 1 to 58 plus a separate Millionaire Ball number from 1 to 5. The Ingham County win marks only the second time the £77,000 ($100,000) a year prize has been claimed since the game began.

It follows a Charlevoix County woman's win on 21 May, whose ticket was bought at a petrol station in Mancelona. The woman became the first player to win the game's second-tier prize, according to the Michigan Lottery.

Winner Backs Steady Income Over £1.7m Lump Sum

Winners of Millionaire For Life prizes are given an immediate choice between a lump sum and staggered annual payments. The Michigan Lottery said the woman collected her winnings and turned down a lump-sum payout of £1.7 million ($2.2 million).

She opted instead for guaranteed payments of £77,000 ($100,000) a year for at least 20 years, or for life, whichever is longer.

She said she intends to use some of the winnings to finish renovations on her home, with the rest set aside in savings.

She gave no indication of any other major spending plans and has not disclosed further details of her personal circumstances. The woman has also chosen not to have her name released publicly.

Lottery Game Continues With Daily Draws

Millionaire For Life tickets cost £3.85 ($5) each, with players selecting five numbers from 1 to 58 and a Millionaire Ball number from 1 to 5. Drawings are held daily, with prizes depending on the numbers matched.

The top prize is £770,000 ($1 million) a year for life for players who match all five white balls and the Millionaire Ball. The second-tier prize, which the Ingham County woman won, pays £77,000 ($100,000) a year for at least 20 years or for life, whichever is longer.

The win adds to a small number of major prizes claimed since Millionaire For Life launched in Michigan in February. For the woman, what began as a routine morning log-in resulted in a choice between a substantial lump sum and a guaranteed annual income.