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Snowed in? Win big! Online ticket wins Fantasy 5 jackpot

A Michigan man won more than $320,000.

Michigan Lottery's Fantasy 5 logo on a yellow and red background.
Samantha Herscher

A Roscommon County man recently struck it rich thanks to the Michigan Lottery's Fantasy 5 game. The lucky player, who prefers to remain anonymous, won more than $320,000 by matching the numbers drawn on January 16th, 2024.

But what made his win even more interesting was how he chose his numbers. Instead of sticking with his usual picks, he decided to get strategic.

The winner told the Michigan Lottery:

It was snowing outside, so I bought my ticket online to avoid the trip to the store. I checked the hot/cold numbers feature on the Michigan Lottery website and swapped some of my usual numbers for some of the 'hot' ones.

This clever tactic paid off big time. The next day, after checking his email, he discovered a message from the Lottery informing him of his win. "I logged in and saw I'd won the Fantasy 5 jackpot," he said. "Needless to say, I was very surprised!"

The lucky winner has big plans for his newfound fortune. He intends to use the money to remodel his home and share some with his grandchildren.

Here's how to play

This is how to play Fantasy 5 online.

  • First, choose your method:
    • Easy Pick: Get random numbers for $5 (5 tickets), $10 (10 tickets), or $15 (15 tickets).
    • Pick My Numbers: Choose your own lucky 5 from 1 to 39.
    • Combo My Numbers: Pick 6 to 10 numbers, and the system will generate tickets with every combination.
  • Select the number of draws (up to 60).
  • Review your selections and consider subscribing for automatic purchases.
  • Checkout and complete your payment.
  • You'll receive winning alerts and can always check past draws in your account.

This is how to play Fantasy 5 in-store.

  • Visit a lottery retailer and grab a play slip.
  • Pick your five numbers from 1 to 39. Opt for "Easy Pick" for random selections.
  • Try EZmatch for an instant win chance of up to $500 (additional $1 cost).
  • Choose the number of draws (up to 60) you want to play.
  • Hand your play slip to the retailer to get your ticket.
  • Check the Fantasy 5 numbers online, on TV, or on the app.

Always double-check your play slip before finalizing your purchase. You're responsible for the accuracy of your numbers and selections.

Don't forget about Double Play. This option is for in-store only.

For an extra $1 per draw, Fantasy 5 players can get a second shot at winning with Double Play. This option offers additional prizes drawn after the regular Fantasy 5 drawing. You can win in both drawings or just one! Double Play prizes are doubled (except the jackpot, which reaches $110,000).

Enjoy the Michigan Lottery, and please play responsibly.

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