LANSING, MI – Pamela Dietrich, a 58-year-old resident of Linden, had a feeling it was time to play the Mega Millions. That decision paid off when she won a $3 million prize in the April 11 drawing.
“I don’t play Mega Millions regularly, but something told me to try for this drawing,” Dietrich said. She logged into her Michigan Lottery account and purchased a ticket. The next morning, she received an email from the Lottery notifying her of a prize. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw I’d won $3 million,” she added.
To confirm her win, Dietrich called the Lottery office first thing Monday morning and scheduled an appointment to claim her prize. Her ticket was also eligible for the game’s automatic multiplier, which increased her winnings to $3 million with a 3x multiplier.
Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli congratulated Dietrich as the first Michigan player to win a million-dollar prize in the newly enhanced Mega Millions game. “This updated game offers larger prizes, better odds, and faster-growing jackpots. We’re thrilled Pamela could take advantage of these improvements,” said Shkreli.
Dietrich purchased her winning ticket online and plans to use her prize money to remodel her home, buy a new car, and save the rest.
Michigan players have seen big wins recently, with the Breakfast Club lottery group winning an $842 million Mega Millions jackpot in June 2024. The group plans to buy a home in Florida and travel.
Lottery officials also remind players to check their tickets promptly. A $250,000 Powerball prize sold in Bloomfield Hills in 2024 went unclaimed and was donated to the state’s School Aid Fund.
For more information about Michigan Lottery games, visit the official Michigan Lottery website.
