Winning Lotto 47 Jackpot Ticket Sold in Dexter

Winning $1.9 million changed Eric Hartman’s mind about the lottery. Until buying a Lotto 47 ticket at Marathon, 8135 Main Street, Dexter, and matching all six numbers in the March 14 drawing, Hartman believed that no one really won state lotteries.

“Up until about 12 days ago, I didn’t think anyone won the Lottery,” the 33-year-old Hartman said in a release. “I thought it was all a conspiracy, but I have a much different outlook now.

“I have been buying Lotto 47 tickets for about six months now. I buy a multi-draw ticket for 25 draws at a time because that covers about three months’ worth of drawings. I just never thought I’d be the jackpot winner.

“I was on lunch at work when I heard that a local player had won the jackpot. I went and checked my ticket, and I couldn’t believe it. I left work early to get my ticket home and in my safe.”

Hartman turned up at State Lottery HQ Monday to claim his prize, which he took as one lump sum cash payment of $1.2 million instead of 30 annuity payments for the full jackpot.

“I’ve got a young daughter, so this will definitely help out with her expenses,” said Hartman. “I’ll probably invest most of it for now.

“Winning feels great, but I’ve already got a great life so this is just icing on the cake for me.”

Lotto 47 tickets are $1 each. Players choose six numbers from one to 47 for a chance to win a jackpot that starts at $1 million and grows til someone matches all six numbers. Lotto 47 drawings take place Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7:29 p.m. Tickets may be purchased until 7:08 p.m. the day of the drawing.

Photo courtesy of the Michigan State Lottery.