National

Avid lottery player wins a prize to last a lifetime in Michigan. ‘Never expected’

A Michigan woman won a lifetime lottery prize.
A Michigan woman won a lifetime lottery prize. Getty Images/iStockphoto

A Michigan woman was shocked to find out just how much she won when she hit a big prize playing the lottery.

Charmaine Tate, 51, bought a Lucky For Life ticket at a store in Canton, according to a March 12 news release from the Michigan Lottery. Her $10 ticket included five plays for $2 each.

“I am an avid Lottery player and have always dreamed of winning a huge prize,” she told lottery officials.

Tate matched all five white ball numbers for the Feb. 9 drawing, lottery officials said.

“When I checked the ticket at the retailer, none of us could believe what we were seeing,” Tate said.

Tate won $25,000 a year for life. She chose to receive a one-time lump sum payment of $390,000.

“I have always thought about how it would feel and what I would do if I won but never expected to find out. Winning just feels good,” she said.

Tate said she plans to buy a new home.

Canton is about a 30-mile drive west from Detroit.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

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This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 4:28 PM with the headline "Avid lottery player wins a prize to last a lifetime in Michigan. ‘Never expected’."

Jennifer Rodriguez
mcclatchy-newsroom
Jennifer Rodriguez is a McClatchy National Real-Time reporter covering the Central and Midwest regions. She joined McClatchy in 2023 after covering local news in Youngstown, Ohio, for over six years. Jennifer has made several achievements in her journalism career, including receiving the Robert R. Hare Award in English, the Emerging Leader Justice and Equality Award, the Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award.
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