Michigan Man Delays Claiming Lottery Prize Until After College Graduation

An Oakland County man recently graduated from college and cashed in a winning Michigan Lottery ticket.

The 27-year-old won $110,000 playing Fantasy 5 Double Play. The surprising part is that he actually won the prize back in May 2025, but held on to the winning ticket until recently, after graduating from college.

When I won, I knew I would be graduating college the following spring, so I decided to wait to cash the ticket until then so I could use the money to pay off my tuition and have a fresh start after college.

Although it was hard to wait, it’s been reassuring knowing I have a huge amount of money waiting for me. Today, I graduated college and cashed in a $110,000 lottery prize, so I’d say that’s pretty cool!

According to Michigan Lottery Connect, the man, who chose to remain anonymous, claimed the prize just days before the winning ticket was set to expire. Talk about patience - and cutting it close.

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I would never be able to hold on to a winning Michigan Lottery ticket that long. I can't hold on to a $10 winner, let alone $110,000.

The winning ticket was purchased at Paramount Foods in Harper Woods. The lucky winner says the plan now is to pay off his college debt, take a trip, and save the rest of his Michigan Lottery jackpot.

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What about you - are you feeling lucky today? Does this inspire you to purchase a Michigan Lottery ticket today? Who knows, you could be Michigan's next big winner.