Macomb County Instant Lottery Winner 2026: Latest Big Wins, Prize Details & How Michigan Scratch-Offs Work
Macomb County Instant Lottery Winner: Macomb County, Michigan, is once again making headlines in 2026 after multiple residents struck it big playing Michigan Lottery instant games—commonly known as scratch-off tickets. From $500,000 prizes to $1 million jackpots, Macomb County continues to rank among the most active and luckiest regions in the state.
With a population of nearly 880,000 residents, including cities like Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, and Shelby Township, Macomb County has a strong lottery-playing culture. Instant games alone generate over $2 billion annually in Michigan, funding the state’s School Aid Fund and supporting public education.
Let’s explore the most recent Macomb County instant lottery winners, how scratch-off games work in Michigan, and what you need to know if you’re hoping to become the next big winner.
Recent Macomb County Instant Lottery Winners (2025–2026)
Macomb County has seen several major instant lottery wins over the past year. These winners purchased scratch-off tickets at local retailers such as Kroger, Meijer, gas stations, and party stores.
Below are the most notable recent wins.
January 23, 2026 – $500,000 on Linked Wins
A 52-year-old Macomb County woman won $500,000 playing the popular Linked Wins scratch-off game.
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Purchased during a weekend trip in northern Michigan (Kalkaska County retailer)
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Scratched the ticket inside her car
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Initially overwhelmed by disbelief
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Plans to invest and travel
The Linked Wins game, launched in 2025, features symbol connections that unlock prizes. At the time of her win, more than $20 million in prizes remained statewide.
January 13, 2026 – $1 Million on King Cashword
A 60-year-old Macomb County man claimed $1 million after purchasing a $30 King Cashword ticket.
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Bought at a local Macomb County retailer
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Initially thought he won a smaller amount
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Verified the full jackpot at home
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Plans include retirement and family support
King Cashword remains one of Michigan’s most popular instant games, offering top prizes of $1 million with word puzzle gameplay.
As of early 2026, over $44 million in total prizes remain, including multiple top awards.
July 14, 2025 – $1 Million on Smokin’ Hot Million
An anonymous woman from Macomb County won $1 million on a $20 Smokin’ Hot Million ticket.
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Purchased at Kroger in Shelby Township (14945 23 Mile Road)
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Described the win as “exciting and overwhelming”
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Plans to pay bills and save for the future
The Smokin’ Hot Million game featured fiery multipliers and multiple million-dollar prizes, contributing to Macomb County’s summer winning streak.
September 19, 2025 – $500,000 Instant Win
An anonymous Macomb County man claimed $500,000 on an unspecified instant game.
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Initially thought it was a small win
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Plans to retire early
Macomb County continues to produce frequent high-tier scratch-off winners compared to many other Michigan counties.
March 2025 – $1 Million Instant Jackpot
Alexandra Wilk (25) won $1 million playing the $1,000,000 Instant Jackpot game in Macomb County.
Her win became widely shared across local news outlets and boosted scratch-off ticket sales in the region.
Why Macomb County Produces So Many Instant Winners
Macomb County’s frequent wins are no coincidence. Several factors contribute to its strong instant lottery presence.
High Population Density
With nearly 880,000 residents and proximity to Detroit, Macomb County has a high volume of ticket purchases.
More purchases statistically increase:
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Prize claims
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Second-chance entries
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Big winner announcements
Retail Accessibility
Michigan has over 10,000 lottery retailers statewide, and Macomb County hosts hundreds of locations including:
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Kroger
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Meijer
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Speedway
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Local party stores
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Gas stations
Instant tickets are available from $1 to $50, making them accessible to a wide range of players.
Strong Instant Game Culture
Instant games account for approximately 40% of all Michigan Lottery prizes.
Players often prefer scratch-offs because:
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Results are immediate
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No waiting for draw dates
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Wide range of price points
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Frequent new game launches
How Michigan Instant Lottery Games Work
Understanding how instant games operate can help players make informed decisions.
Purchase & Play
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Buy a ticket at a licensed retailer.
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Scratch the play area.
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Match symbols, numbers, or words.
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Reveal prize amount instantly.
Ticket prices range from:
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$1 budget games
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$5–$10 mid-tier
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$20–$30 premium games
Premium tickets often offer higher top prizes.
Claiming a Prize
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Under $600 → Redeem at retailer
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Over $600 → Claim at Michigan Lottery office
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Over $5,000 → Taxes withheld
Macomb County residents can claim large prizes at nearby lottery claim centers, including offices in Sterling Heights.
Taxes on Lottery Winnings
For prizes over $5,000:
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24% Federal tax
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4.25% Michigan state tax
Net payout typically equals around 70% of the total prize after deductions.
Odds of Winning
Overall odds average about 1 in 4, depending on the game.
However, top prize odds can range from:
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1 in 500,000
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1 in 1 million or higher
Remember: odds always favor the lottery.
Michigan Lottery’s Impact on Education
The Michigan Lottery, established in 1972, has contributed:
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Over $1 billion annually to the School Aid Fund
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Billions since its creation
Instant games play a significant role in generating this revenue.
Compared nationally, Michigan ranks in the top 10 states for instant lottery sales.
Macomb County’s participation contributes meaningfully to these totals.
Legal, Safety & Responsible Gaming Information
Lottery participation in Michigan is restricted to:
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18 years and older
Winners may choose to remain anonymous for privacy protection.
Important Legal Notes
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Tickets are bearer instruments
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Lost tickets cannot be replaced
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Fraudulent claims result in severe penalties
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All large wins are verified by the Michigan Bureau of State Lottery
For gambling concerns, Michigan offers support through:
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1-800-270-7117 (Problem Gambling Helpline)
Responsible play is strongly encouraged.
Popularity Trends in 2026
After each major Macomb County win, local retailers report:
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Temporary spikes in ticket sales
Online platforms like Reddit and local forums often discuss:
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Game strategies
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Remaining top prizes
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Odds comparisons
However, lottery results remain purely random.
As of February 2026, games like King Cashword and Linked Wins still have significant prizes remaining statewide.
Conclusion
Macomb County continues to stand out as a hotspot for Michigan instant lottery winners in 2026. With recent prizes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, residents are experiencing life-changing moments through scratch-off games.
Thanks to high participation, strong retail presence, and popular premium instant games, Macomb County consistently appears in Michigan Lottery winner announcements.
While winning is never guaranteed, the county’s recent streak has certainly captured statewide attention.
For current game availability and remaining prizes, visit MichiganLottery.com or check with authorized retailers.
Play responsibly—and you could be the next headline winner.
FAQs About Macomb County Instant Lottery Winners
1. What was the biggest recent instant win in Macomb County?
In January 2026, a Macomb County resident won $1 million on King Cashword.
2. Can Michigan lottery winners remain anonymous?
Yes. Michigan allows winners to remain anonymous for privacy protection.
3. How much tax is taken from a $1 million win?
Approximately 28.25% combined federal and state tax, leaving about 70% net.
4. Where can large prizes be claimed in Macomb County?
Prizes over $600 must be claimed at official Michigan Lottery offices, including nearby claim centers like Sterling Heights.
5. What are the odds of winning a top instant prize?
Odds vary by game but often range from 1 in 500,000 to 1 in 1 million or more.
