Johnathan Walker:Michigan man gifts bride scratch-off ticket worth $1 million, day after their wedding

A Michigan man experienced a sudden change in fortune when he won $1 million playing a scratch-off game offered by the Michigan Lottery. Interestingly,Johnathan Walker this happened just one day after his wedding, which made the win all the more special and memorable for him. 

An anonymous 57-year-old from Livingston County won the cash prize playing the $10 Diamond & Pearls instant game. His winning ticket was purchased at Prudenville E-Z Mart, located at 2403 West Houghton Lake Drive, about 30 miles south of Grayling.

The Diamond & Pearls scratch-off ticket was a gift from him to his bride, the day after their wedding. She scratched the ticket and couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"When she revealed the '$1 MIL' prize amount, we were in disbelief," he told the Michigan Lottery. "We kept reading the instructions over and over again to make sure we really won. It was an exciting couple of days for us."

The lucky winner claimed approximately $693,000 in a single lump sum payment at Michigan Lottery headquarters. He told the Lottery he plans to invest his winnings.

More winners:Florida woman wins $5 million from state lottery's scratch off game

What is Diamond & Pearls?

Since its launch in August, Diamonds & Pearls has awarded over $14 million to lucky players. With each $10 ticket, players can win prizes starting from $10 and going all the way up to $1 million. There are still over $37 million worth of prizes available, including two $1 million top prizes and 18 prizes worth $2,000 each.

What are the odds of winning Diamonds & Pearls?

The overall odds of winning any prize in the game are 1 in 3.75.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets. 

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.  

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.