Leslie Merrell of Woodhaven hit a $100,000 jackpot, turning a routine lottery check into a life-changing moment. Here’s how a $1 Power Play doubled his win.
Woodhaven Resident Hits Big With Online Lottery Ticket
WOODHAVEN, MI – A seemingly ordinary Powerball ticket turned into an extraordinary payday for Leslie Merrell, a 63-year-old Wayne County resident, after he scored a $100,000 prize in the October 21 Michigan Lottery Powerball drawing. Merrell’s lucky ticket, purchased online at MichiganLottery.com, matched four white balls and the Powerball – 01-25-57-62-64, PB: 15 – winning an initial $50,000. The added Power Play feature doubled his prize to $100,000.
“I won a few dollars playing online instant games, so I used the winnings to purchase a couple Powerball tickets,” Merrell shared. “The next morning, I saw an email from the Lottery, but I didn’t think much of it. I logged into my account to check my tickets and when I saw my account balance, I kept counting the number of zeros, thinking: ‘Is this real?!’”
Power Play Option Turns Small Wins Into Big Dreams
Merrell’s story highlights the power of the optional $1 “Power Play” feature, which multiplies non-jackpot prizes by up to 10 times (capped at $2 million). For Merrell, this modest extra investment turned an already significant $50,000 prize into a six-figure windfall.
After visiting Michigan Lottery headquarters to claim his prize, Merrell revealed his plans for the money: home improvements, a trip out west, and putting the rest toward retirement savings. “It’s life-changing,” Merrell said of his win, though he plans to use the funds wisely to secure his future.
How to Play and Win with Michigan Powerball
For Michigan Lottery enthusiasts, Merrell’s victory is a reminder of the opportunities available with online and in-store ticket purchases. Powerball tickets cost $2 per play, with an optional Power Play multiplier or Double Play feature available for an additional $1 each.
Key details about Powerball:
- Drawings occur every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.
- Tickets are sold in 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Players can watch the live drawings at Powerball.com.
Double Play, which offers a second chance to win prizes up to $10 million, is another increasingly popular addition for Michigan players.
Boosting Michigan’s Lottery Legacy
Merrell’s win is one of many successes fueling Michigan’s robust lottery culture. The Michigan Lottery contributes significantly to the state’s economy, providing millions annually to fund public education. Merrell’s prize is a testament to how online platforms like MichiganLottery.com are broadening access to gaming opportunities and empowering players to pursue life-changing wins from the comfort of their homes.
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