National

Jackpot winner ‘thought it was a scam.’ But it was real, and he still can’t believe it

A Michigan man was randomly chosen as a second-chance jackpot winner, and he’s still having a hard time believing his luck.
A Michigan man was randomly chosen as a second-chance jackpot winner, and he’s still having a hard time believing his luck. Photo courtesy of Michigan Lottery.

A Michigan man was in disbelief after finding out he was randomly chosen as a jackpot winner.

Christopher Cassel, 34, from Fowlerville, was entered into a second-chance game by playing BIG CA$H Second Chance Jackpot games online, according to an April 24 news release by the Michigan Lottery.

“I knew I was earning second chance entries by playing certain online games, but I didn’t think much of it,” Cassel told lottery officials.

But that changed when he received an email.

“I came across an email from the Michigan Lottery informing me I’d won a $250,299 second chance jackpot, and I immediately thought it was a scam. After calling the Lottery I found out it was real, but I still had a hard time believing it,” he told lottery officials.

Cassel said it still feels unreal.

“Winning is very exciting, although I don’t think the reality of it hasn’t fully sunk in yet,” he said.

Cassel said he plans to use his winnings to buy a home and a new truck.

Fowlerville is about a 70-mile drive northwest from Detroit.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

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This story was originally published April 24, 2024 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Jackpot winner ‘thought it was a scam.’ But it was real, and he still can’t believe it."

Jennifer Rodriguez
mcclatchy-newsroom
Jennifer Rodriguez is a McClatchy National Real-Time reporter covering the Central and Midwest regions. She joined McClatchy in 2023 after covering local news in Youngstown, Ohio, for over six years. Jennifer has made several achievements in her journalism career, including receiving the Robert R. Hare Award in English, the Emerging Leader Justice and Equality Award, the Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award.
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