A quick stop at a downtown Ann Arbor Mobil station turned into a seven-figure shock this week, after an Oakland County player scratched a $1 million winner from the Michigan Lottery’s $1,000,000 Cash Spectacular instant game. The winner, who has opted to stay anonymous, chose a one-time cash payout and plans to put much of the money toward college funds for his children.
The life-changing moment came on the third ticket in a batch he bought, turning what started as a routine errand into a seriously good day.
Where the ticket was sold
The lucky ticket was sold at Main Street Convenience Inc., the Mobil station on South Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor. Corporate station listings place the store at 402 S. Main St., confirming the retailer’s location. Exxon lists the business as Main Street Convenience, Mobil at 402 S Main St., Ann Arbor.
How the win unfolded
The winner told MLive that he bought three $1,000,000 Cash Spectacular tickets and did not hit it big until he scratched the third one, which revealed the $1 million top prize. According to that report, he chose a one-time lump sum of about $693,000 instead of an annuity and said he plans to use a large portion of the money to start college funds for his children. He has remained anonymous in media coverage and has been identified only as an Oakland County resident.
Michigan’s recent run of big winners
Michigan has been on a bit of a hot streak. In 2024, the three-person group known as “The Breakfast Club” claimed an $842.4 million Powerball jackpot, one of the largest in state history. Fortune reported on the announcement and the group’s decision to take a cash option.
The lucky Ann Arbor sale also lands in the same general era as another sizable score. In April 2026, the Michigan Lottery confirmed that a Lotto 47 ticket sold in New Boston hit a $1.67 million jackpot, underscoring that neighborhood retailers keep churning out big statewide winners, according to Michigan Lottery Connect.
What winners should know
For anyone daydreaming about following in those lucky footsteps, the Michigan Lottery has firm rules on how big prizes get paid out. Prizes of $100,000 or more must be claimed in person at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, and anything over $5,000 is subject to federal and state tax withholdings under the Lottery’s claim guidelines.
Michigan Lottery provides detailed instructions on how to schedule an appointment, what identification to bring and how tax rules apply to large claims. Officials advise winners to sign the back of their ticket as soon as possible and then contact Lottery Player Relations to set up a visit to headquarters and start the claim process.
