Montcalm County Man Wins $1 Million Playing Michigan Lottery’s King Cashword Instant Game
RaspaPro Summary
A Montcalm County man initially thought he won $5,000 playing King Cashword, but then realized his ticket was worth $1 million. He received a one-time lump sum payment of about $693,000 and plans to donate, help others, and start a trust fund.
Key points
- •Winner initially believed he won $5,000, but discovered a $1 million prize.
- •He chose a lump sum payment of about $693,000.
- •Plans include donating, helping others, and creating a trust fund.
- •The winning ticket was purchased at Maple Valley Market in Trufant.
- •Over $57 million has been won playing King Cashword since its launch.
Why it matters
This highlights the potential for unexpected large wins on instant games, even when a prize initially seems smaller. It also shows how players can use their winnings for personal financial planning and charitable contributions.
Official release
A Montcalm County man was thrilled when he won what he thought was $5,000 playing the Michigan Lottery’s King Cashword instant game, and then he found out the ticket was actually worth $1 million!
“King Cashword is my favorite game,” said the lucky 75-year-old player, who chose to remain anonymous. “When I scratched this ticket, I thought I won $5,000 and I was thrilled! I looked at the ticket a few more times, which is when I realized I missed the ‘L’ in the call letter box and actually won $1 million.
“I was in disbelief, so I drove over an hour to the Lottery office in Grand Rapids so I could have them check the ticket and confirm that it really was a $1 million winner. I’m still shaky and in shock at the thought of winning this much money!”
The player bought his winning ticket at Maple Valley Market, located at 106 West 2nd Street in Trufant. Trufant is about 35 miles northeast of Grand Rapids. He recently visited Lottery headquarters to claim the big prize. He chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $693,000 rather than annuity payments for the full amount. With his winning, he plans to donate, help others, and start a trust fund for his children.
Players have won more than $57 million playing King Cashword, which launched in June 2025. Each $20 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $20 up to $1 million. More than $14 million in prizes remain, including eight $5,000 prizes, and 146 $1,000 prizes.
In 2025, Lottery players won more than $1.7 billion playing instant games.
Lottery instant games may be purchased at retailers across the state.
Based on official state lottery press releases. RaspaPro is not affiliated with any lottery. Entertainment only · 18+ · Play responsibly.