Lottery player in Michigan mistakes $1m prize for $5,000

• A $20 King Cashword puzzle brought a life-changingprize to a Montcalm County man
• The player thought that he won $5,000 and was shocked once he realized the prize was actually $1m
• No more top prizes remain in play from King Cashword, but the game offers a range of prizes smaller in size

A fortunate lottery player was in disbelief after what he thought was a $5,000 scratch-off prize turned out to be a life-changing $1m win.

That’s the story of one Montcalm County man who scored a top prize from the Michigan Lottery’s King Cashword instant game.

The winner was thrilled that he won $5,000 before realizing it was $1m

The lucky player, a 75-year-old man who chose to remain anonymous, purchased his ticket at Maple Valley Market located at 106 West 2nd Street in Trufant.

In an interview with a lottery official, the fortunate player admitted that King Cashword was his favorite game.

Recalling the moment when he scratched off the ticket, the Montcalm County man said: "When I scratched this ticket, I thought I won $5,000 and I was thrilled!"

However, as it turned out, his prize was significantly larger.

"I looked at the ticket a few more times, which is when I realized I missed the ‘L’ in the call letter box and actually won $1m," the incredibly lucky player added.

Admitting that he was in disbelief, the man drove more than an hour to the Michigan Lottery’s office in Grand Rapids, where lottery officials confirmed that he indeed had won $1m.

"I’m still shaky and in shock at the thought of winning this much money," the 75-year-old man added.

Claiming his newfound fortune, the player chose to receive a one-time sum rather than annuity payments for the entire $1m prize.

As a result, his bank account increased by $693,000.

Asked about his plans for the lottery windfall, the winner said that he will help others, donate and put money on the side for a trust fund for his children.

The popular ticket costs only $20

Each $20 King Cashword ticket grants players a chance to win a range of prizes.

The latest $1m prize marked the last top prize from the popular game.

However, there are still eight tier-two prizes of $5,000 remaining play from the popular ticket.

A tier-three prize awards $1,000 and there are 143 such prizes up for grabs, among other smaller sums.

The overall odds of winning any prize from the King Cashword ticket are 1 in 3.28.

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