A Michigan woman won a big prize after playing an instant lottery game.
Photo courtesy of Michigan Lottery.
A Michigan woman is celebrating a lottery prize she never imagined she would win.
Denise Matas, 38, said she teared up when she realized she won the big prize while playing Michigan Lottery’s Roaring 20s instant game online, according to an Aug. 1 news release from the Michigan Lottery.
“I have been playing the Roaring 20s game for a while,” Matas told lottery officials. “You always see people winning big prizes and never think it will be you, so when the prize of $100 a month for 20 years came up on the screen, I teared up.”
The prize totaled up to $24,000, however, Matas chose to take a one-time lump sum payment of $17,500, according to the release.
“I took a screenshot and sent it to a few people close to me to share the news. Winning $24,000 is so exciting and a huge relief!”
She said she plans to pay bills and buy a new car.
Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
Jennifer Rodriguez is a McClatchy National Real-Time reporter covering the Central and Midwest regions. She joined McClatchy in 2023 after covering local news in Youngstown, Ohio, for over six years. Jennifer has made several achievements in her journalism career, including receiving the Robert R. Hare Award in English, the Emerging Leader Justice and Equality Award, the Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award.
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