A Wayne County man needed a second opinion after learning he’d won $25,000 a year for life playing the Michigan Lottery’s Lucky For Life game.

James Daniel, of Redford, won the big prize when his Lucky For Life ticket matched the five white balls drawn on Dec. 13, 2024: 03-15-32-34-37. He bought his winning ticket at Jerry’s Party Store, located at 28940 Warren Road in Westland.

“I had some change leftover after buying some groceries, so I decided to buy some Lucky For Life tickets,” said Daniel. “I checked my numbers that night, and my eyes about popped out of my head when I got to the third line and say I had matched five numbers!

“I asked my wife and son to look at my ticket to be sure I was seeing it right. This is the largest prize I have ever won, and it is just unbelievable!”

Daniel, 69, l visited Lottery headquarters recently to claim his prize. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time lump sum payment of $390,000, rather than annuity payments of $25,000 a year for 20 years or life, whichever is greater. He plans to invest his winnings.

For just $2 per play, Lucky For Life gives Lottery players a chance to win prizes ranging from $3 to a lifetime of cash. To win the game’s top prize of $1,000 a day for life, players must match all five winning numbers ranging from 1 to 48, plus one Lucky Ball ranging from 1 to 18. Players who match all five winning numbers, but not the Lucky Ball, will win $25,000 a year for life. Drawings take place at 10:38 p.m. seven days-a-week. Tickets may be purchased at Lottery retailers across the state and online at Michiganmilotteryconnect.casinowinning.net.