A Lucky Ticket from Clinton, Indiana
Micah Thacker’s stroke of luck began when he purchased a Mega Millions ticket at Buck’s Clinton (Sunoco) on E State Road 163 in Clinton, Indiana, the weekend before Christmas. Little did he know that his decision would lead to a life-changing win.
After seeing a post on Facebook about a $1 million ticket sold in Clinton, Thacker decided to scan his ticket using the Hoosier Lottery app. To his shock, the app informed him that his prize was too large to be paid out at a retailer. It didn’t take long for him and his family to realize the magnitude of his good fortune.
A Christmas to Remember
Thacker and his wife, in disbelief, described the moment as a Christmas they would never forget. The timing couldn’t have been better for the family, who will now be able to put the money toward significant life changes.
“We are just overwhelmed,” Thacker shared. “It’s not just about the money, it’s the timing—this will change our lives.”
Plans for the Prize
The Thacker family’s first priority is to pay off their house, which will ease financial pressures and provide greater stability moving forward. In addition to that, they also plan to use part of the prize to help pay off their daughter’s student loans.
While the $1 million is a life-changing amount, it’s not the Mega Millions jackpot. That record-setting prize, which reached $1.22 billion, was claimed in California just before Christmas. However, Thacker’s win is a reminder that sometimes, the holiday season brings unexpected gifts that don’t come with a billion-dollar price tag—but still offer a chance for a fresh start.
The Next Jackpot Looms
As the Thacker family counts their blessings, the next Mega Millions jackpot is already on the horizon. The prize for the drawing on Tuesday, December 31, is estimated to be $20 million, which is sure to capture the attention of lottery players across the country.
