US Lottery Jackpot Surprise: Clerk's Mistake Leads To $25,000 Annual Payout

The clerk's innocent mistake worked in Mr Sopestal's favor. He won $25,000 a year playing Lucky for Life in the game's September 17 draw.

This holiday season brings extra gratitude for an Illinois man, thanks to a cashier's error resulting in a winning Lucky for Life ticket jackpot.

According to a release by Michigan Lottery, Michael Sopejstal, 60, won the big prize when his Lucky For Life ticket matched the five white balls drawn on September 17: 11-15-17-24-48. He bought his winning ticket at the GoLo gas station, located at 102 West Buffalo Street in New Buffalo.

“I come to Michigan every few weeks to eat at my favorite restaurant, and I always get a Lucky for Life ticket for 10 or 20 draws while I'm here,” said Sopejstal.