Liv Bridge
A man who won a 'life-changing' sum on the lottery has revealed why he decided to keep his award a secret from is children.
Kenneth Stayt from Genesee County, Michigan, has had his life flipped upside down after cashing in a hefty prize after winning the Michigan Lottery earlier this month.
The 70-year-old won the '$25,000 a year for life' prize when his Lucky for Life ticket matched with the five white balls drawn on July 19.
His lucky numbers were: 12, 23, 33, 35, 36.
Advert
The Fenton man said he usually plays Club Keno while at Sagebrush Cantina in Fenton, but on this occasion decided to purchase the Lucky for Life ticket instead and was left stunned when he realized he'd won later that night.
“I went to MichiganLottery.com to check the winning numbers around midnight and was amazed when I saw my ticket matched all five of the white balls," he said as per a news release from Michigan Lottery.
"This is a life-changing amount of money that will allow me to live easy and not have to worry about things," the pensioner added.
Kenneth also revealed he decided to keep his big win a secret from his family and friends - including his children - for one good reason.
He chose to receive his winnings in a one-time lump sum of $390,000 rather than $25,000 a year for 20 years or life, whichever is longer, according to Michigan Lottery officials.
"I’ve been keeping my big win a secret from my kids,” Kenneth said before adding he is hoping to treat them now that he's cashed in his award.
"Now that I have my check, I plan to surprise them with the money!”, he said while clutching his giant winning cheque that declares Kenneth 'a big lottery winner.'
As for the future, Kenneth didn't give much away about what he plans on buying, but vowed he will be sharing his winnings with his family and friends and then invest the rest to live out his retirement comfortably.
The Lucky for Life game offers players the chance to win either the top prize of $1,000 a day for life or $25,000 a year for life after purchasing a $2 ticket.
To win the hefty daily award, players must match all five winning numbers, ranging from one to 48, as well as one Lucky Ball between one to 18.
Meanwhile, those who match all five winning numbers but not the Lucky Ball win the $25,000 a year prize, like Kenneth.
The draw takes place at 10.38pm every day of the week.