Lottery player hit jackpot in Michigan but ‘thought it was a joke.’ Then reality set in

A woman who learned over the phone she won big in the lottery had a relatable reaction — skepticism.

But as Shannon Molina continued talking to a Michigan Lottery representative, it began to sink in. She had just won $559,200, according to a July 19 news release.

Molina, of Waterford, won the jackpot progressive prize in June’s random drawing. She earned entries for the prize by playing eligible monthly jackpot games online through the Michigan Lottery.

“When I got the call that I had won the Monthly Jackpot Progressive, I thought it was a joke,” Molina told lottery officials. “I talked to the woman from the Lottery three times before I started to believe it was real. The last time I spoke to her, she setup my appointment to come claim the prize in Lansing and that’s when it hit me that it must be real.”

The $559,200 prize is one of the largest offered in the monthly game, which began in April 2022.

The 47-year-old plans to buy a new home and pay bills with her winnings.

“Life hasn’t always been easy,” Molina said, per the release. “Winning means we can be debt free and get a fresh start in a new home. It’s such a blessing.”

Waterford is about 35 miles northwest of Detroit.

This story was originally published July 19, 2023 at 12:27 PM with the headline "Lottery player hit jackpot in Michigan but ‘thought it was a joke.’ Then reality set in."