White Lake Man Transforms Regular Lottery Play into $390,000 Windfall

A regular patron of the Michigan Lottery's Lucky For Life game, Timothy Wiscombe of White Lake in Oakland County, encountered an unexpected twist of fate. The 59-year-old matched five white balls in the September 27th drawing—numbers 4, 7, 9, 24, and 36—securing him a prize of $25,000 a year for life. Wiscombe, who purchased his ticket at the Lakeview Market, situated at 9775 Elizabeth Lake Road in White Lake, chose to accept a one-time lump sum payment of $390,000 instead.

"I play Lucky For Life every week," Wiscombe told MLive. “I pulled up the winning numbers on my phone the morning after the drawing and couldn’t believe it when I saw I matched five. I must have looked over the winning numbers 100 times before finally telling my wife. Winning $25,000 a year for life is an awesome feeling!” Wiscombe's win was more than a personal achievement; it helped boost awareness and sales of Lottery games, benefiting Michigan's School Aid Fund, as noted by Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli.

Within the context of repeated lottery wins across the state, Wiscombe's windfall was part of a larger narrative of fortunate players in 2024. The Michigan Lottery reported multiple claimants winning Lucky For Life's top prizes throughout the year, from a Flushing woman to a Detroit man, according to MI Lottery Connect. 

Wiscombe's plans for the $390,000 lump sum encompass several major expenditures and altruistic endeavors, he desires to invest the money, purchase a new car, complete various home projects, and extend a helping hand to those in need, as reported by Detroit Free Press.

However, lottery players are reminded of the importance of timely claims. An example is provided by a Mega Millions winner from Southfield who, in 2023, failed to claim their $1 million prize which subsequently benefited the state's School Aid Fund.