LANSING, MI – The winners of the third largest lottery jackpot in American history and the largest ever won in Michigan have won their prize. The winners of the $ 1.05 billion Mega Millions jackpot for the draw held on Friday, January 24th have been unveiled as a four-member lottery club called Wolverine FLL Club.
Kurt D. Panouses, esq, an attorney and member of the group that serves as a representative, spoke on behalf of the lottery club after claiming their prize.
” A club member saw a sign that the jackpot was up to $ 1 billion and remembered that they had not yet bought their tickets. ‘When you play, you naturally dream of winning, but the reality of it was incredible.
This kind of money will affect the families of our club members for generations to come. We plan to remain humble and pay for it through charity in Southeast Michigan. ”
The group matches all five white numbers – 04-26-42-50-60 – and the gold Mega Ball – 24 – to win the jackpot. The winning numbers were easily selected, meaning that it was randomly generated by the machine that printed out the ticket.
The winners chose to receive their prize as a one-time payment of $ 776 million instead of annuity payments for the full amount.
“I believe these are multi-generations,” Panouses said. ‘It’s not just generational money … education is important to them. It is clear that they also want to do scholarships. They want to see this money help other people, just as it has helped them. ‘
Related story: 10 quick facts about the $ 1 billion Mega Millions ticket sold in Michigan
The $ 1.05 billion jackpot is the second largest ever for a single winning ticket, surpassed only by a $ 1.537 billion jackpot won in 2018 by a player in South Carolina. This victory is the sixth time since 2014 that someone from Michigan has won a Mega Millions of Powerball. jackpot.
The previous record jackpot in Michigan was a $ 337 million Powerball jackpot won on August 15, 2012.
According to the Michigan Lottery, the club received 24% federal tax (approximately $ 186 million) and 4.25% state tax (approximately $ 33 million) approximately $ 557 million after required income tax. The money will be divided among the members.
“It’s a wonderful group of people. I believe they will do wonderful things, ”said Panouses. “And they will be good stewards with these funds.”
Of the $ 33 million raised by the state, about $ 8 million goes to the state school aid fund, while the other $ 25 million goes to the General Purpose Fund.
“Achieving a record jackpot win in Michigan is good news everywhere,” said Lottery Commissioner Brian O. Neill. ‘Lottery sales help support public education and more than 10,000 retail outlets across the state. The total lottery contributions to Michigan’s School Aid Fund over the past three financial years are more than $ 3 billion. ”
The winning ticket was sold at the Kroger store at Grand River Ave 47650 in Novi. For the sale of the ticket, Kroger will receive a commission of $ 50,000, which according to the company will be donated to the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
“Kroger is committed to our mission to feed our communities,” said Rachel Hurst, corporate director of The Kroger Co. of Michigan, said. “Strong partnerships with both the State of Michigan and the Food Bank Council of Michigan are an integral part of our mission.”
For the latest information on Michigan Lottery, visit the official Michigan Lottery website, which also provides more information on instant tickets, raffles and other lottery games.