LANSING, MI – The winners of the third largest lottery prize in the history of the United States and the largest ever won in Michigan claimed their prize. Winners of the Mega Millions $ 1.05 billion jackpot for the draw held on Friday, January 24, were revealed as a four-member lottery club called Wolverine FLL Club.
Kurt D. Panouses, left, lawyer and member of the group that acts as his representative, spoke on behalf of the lottery club after they claimed his prize.
“A member of the club saw a sign that the prize was up to $ 1 billion and remembered that he had not yet bought the tickets, so he pulled out for Kroger,” said Panouses. “When you play, it is clear that you dream of winning, but the reality is incredible.
”This type of money will impact the families of our club members for many generations. We intend to remain humble and pay through charitable donations in southeastern Michigan. “
The group hit all five white numbers drawn – 26-04-42-50-60 – and the golden Mega Ball – 24 – to win the jackpot. The winning numbers were selected by an easy choice, which means that they were generated randomly by the machine that printed the ticket.
Winners have chosen to receive their prize as a one-time payment of $ 776 million, rather than annuity payments for the full amount.
“I believe it is multigenerational,” said Panouses. “It’s not just about generational money … education is important to them. Obviously, they want to make some scholarships as well. They want to see this money help other people, just as it has helped them. “
Related story: 10 quick facts about the Mega Millions $ 1 billion winning 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 by a player in South Carolina in 2018. This victory marks the sixth time since 2014 that someone from Michigan won a Mega Millions or Powerball jackpot.
The previous record jackpot in Michigan was a $ 337 million Powerball jackpot won on August 15, 2012.
According to the Michigan Lottery, after required income tax withholdings of 24% federal taxes (about $ 186 million) and 4.25% state taxes (about $ 33 million), the club received approximately US $ 557 million. This money will be divided among the members.
“This is a large group of people. I believe they will do great things, ”said Panouses. “And they will be great managers with those funds.”
Of the $ 33 million raised by the state, about $ 8 million will go to the state School Aid Fund, while the other $ 25 million will go to the General Purpose Fund.
“Winning a record jackpot in Michigan is great news for everyone,” said Lottery Commissioner Brian O. Neill. “Lottery sales help support public education and more than 10,000 retail locations across the state. The Lottery’s total contributions to the Michigan School Aid Fund over the past three fiscal years exceed $ 3 billion. “
The winning ticket was sold at the Kroger store located at 47650 Grand River Ave. in Novi. For the ticket sale, Kroger will receive a $ 50,000 commission, which the company says it will donate to the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
“Kroger is committed to our mission to nurture our communities,” said Rachel Hurst, manager of corporate affairs at The Kroger Co. of Michigan. “Strong partnerships with the state of Michigan and the Food Bank Council of Michigan are essential to drive our mission forward.”
For the latest Michigan Lottery news, check out the official Michigan Lottery website, which also offers more information on instant tickets, raffles and other lottery games.