We’ve all faced those moments where we’re torn between two decisions—only to find out later that one choice changed everything. For one South Carolina resident, choosing between a night at the casino or trying his luck with a scratch-off ticket turned out to be a multimillion-dollar decision!
The Right Choice at the Right Time
Michael Buckner, a 58-year-old South Carolina native, was working out of state in Gladstone, Michigan, when he felt the familiar urge to place a bet. But instead of heading to the casino for some classic gambling fun, Buckner decided to take a different route: purchasing a $20 lottery scratch-off ticket. Little did he know, that choice would bring a $2 million reward!
“I live in South Carolina, but I work in Escanaba, Michigan,” Buckner shared with Michigan Lottery officials. “I was trying to decide between going to the casino or buying instant tickets and ended up deciding to buy instant tickets.”
It was a fateful decision. Buckner purchased a $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier scratch-off ticket at the Gladstone Mobil on Lake Shore Drive, and when he scratched it off, he couldn’t believe his eyes.
“When I saw I won $2 million, I didn’t think it was real,” Buckner recalled. Even his girlfriend was skeptical when he called to share the incredible news. “It still hasn’t fully sunk in!” he added.
A Life-Changing Payday
Buckner recently claimed his winnings at Michigan Lottery headquarters in Lansing, taking home a one-time lump sum payment of $1.3 million. After taxes, his payday still came to a hefty $933,000! Not a bad reward for what started as a quick decision to buy a lottery ticket.
For Buckner, that day in Michigan will forever be etched in his memory as the day he made the right bet—choosing the lottery over the casino.
Big Wins, Big Impact
Buckner’s win was the first top prize claimed in the $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier scratch-off game, but there’s still plenty of excitement left in this lottery game. With two more top prizes remaining, along with 18 second-tier prizes of $10,000 and 208 third-tier prizes of $2,000, players across Michigan still have ample opportunity to cash in on their own lucky moments.
And it’s not just about individual winnings—instant lottery games like these have a lasting positive impact on the state. As Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli noted, these games help fund essential services like education. In fact, the Michigan Lottery has contributed more than $1 billion to the state’s School Aid Fund for six consecutive years.
Could You Be the Next Big Winner?
Buckner’s story is a perfect example of how a single, spontaneous choice can completely alter the course of your day—or even your life. With lottery games continuing to offer massive prizes and great odds, many people are now rethinking their usual casino trips. Maybe that next big win is just one scratch away!
So, the next time you’re itching for a little thrill, why not take a chance on a scratch-off ticket? You could be the next lucky player to find yourself $2 million richer!
