A man in New Buffalo, Michigan, got the surprise of a lifetime after a cashier’s mistake resulted in him winning $25,000 a year for life. Michael Sopejstal, a 60-year-old regular at his favorite local restaurant, decided to purchase a Lucky for Life ticket during one of his visits. However, when asking the retailer for a ticket for 10 draws, he unintentionally received a ticket with 10 lines for a single draw. Despite the error, Sopejstal decided to keep the ticket, a decision that would prove to be incredibly rewarding.
Sopejstal recalled the moment he discovered his life-changing win, stating, I checked my ticket one morning and saw that I had won $25,000 a year for life. Overwhelmed with excitement, he wasted no time in claiming his winnings from the Michigan Lottery headquarters. When given the choice between annual annuity payments of $25,000 for 20 years or a one-time lump sum of $390,000, Sopejstal opted for the latter.
The fortunate winner, who resides near the Indiana border in New Buffalo, expressed his gratitude for the unexpected windfall. The $25,000 annual payments for life would have undoubtedly been life-changing, but Sopejstal decided that a lump sum payment better suited his plans.
With the winnings now securely in his hands, Sopejstal can look forward to utilizing his newfound financial freedom. Whether it be pursuing long-held dreams or indulging in newfound luxuries, the possibilities are endless.
The Michigan Lottery captures the imagination of players across the state, offering various games designed to create life-changing moments. Sopejstal’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, even a simple mistake can lead to unimaginable fortune.
