How Michigan woman’s $1,000 lottery prize grew to $500,000 at last minute

Finding 10th word on Luxury Cashword ticket earns woman extra $499,000

A Luxury Cashword ticket from the Michigan Lottery worth $500,000. (Michigan Lottery)

CASS, Mich. – A Michigan woman thought she had won a $1,000 lottery prize, only to make a last-minute discovery that made her ticket worth $500,000.

The 68-year-old woman from Tuscola County bought a Luxury Cashword ticket at Ben’s Fresh Market on Church Street in Cass, Michigan.

“I have been playing Cashword games for years, and Luxury Cashword is one of my favorites,” she said. “I finished scratching the ticket and thought I revealed nine words for a $1,000 prize. I showed my husband, and he said, ‘If only you had one more word, you would have won $500,000.’

“The next day, I looked the ticket over again, and that’s when I found the 10th word. I showed my husband, and we were both in shock. I got in my car and drove straight to the lottery office to have them look the ticket over and confirm my win.”

The woman visited Michigan Lottery headquarters to claim her prize and chose to remain anonymous.

She said she plans to pay bills, buy new furniture, invest money, and save the rest of her winnings.

“Winning is such a relief, and honestly, I’m still having a hard time believing this is real,” she said.


About the Author

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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