A Troy couple is starting the spring $5 million richer after claiming a massive Michigan Lottery jackpot, lottery officials announced Thursday. Bob & Nicki Meller came forward to collect the prize at the lottery's Lansing headquarters, where they were presented with a ceremonial oversized check in front of friends, family, and members of the media. In a detail that has captivated onlookers, the Mellers said it was the very first lottery ticket they had ever purchased.
The Mellers purchased the winning ticket on a whim at a 7-Eleven on Big Beaver Road in Troy, according to lottery spokesperson Dana Killian. They matched all six numbers in the March 4 Lotto drawing — a feat that carries odds of roughly 1 in 6.1 million. "We still can't believe how lucky we are. It doesn't feel real," Bob Meller told reporters, still visibly stunned. "I have a buddy who plays the lottery all the time — like, every single week — and he's never won a thing. So we really weren't expecting much. We just grabbed a ticket because we were already at the register and thought, why not?"
Lottery director Marcus Greenfield said the $5 million prize is the largest individual win in Michigan so far in 2026 and one of the biggest in the past three years. "We're thrilled for Bob and Nicki and their family," Greenfield said at the check presentation ceremony. "Wins like this remind people that it really can happen to anyone — even first-time players." The Mellers opted to take the lump-sum payment, which amounts to approximately $3.4 million before federal and state taxes. Bob said he plans to buy a Pinarello Dogma F, a top-of-the-line Italian road bicycle that retails for over $15,000, along with other cycling gear, and a 42-foot Yellowfin center console fishing boat — a vessel that can run upwards of $800,000 fully rigged. Nicki, meanwhile, said she has "hundreds, if not thousands" of books she wants to buy. "I've had a wish list going for years," she said with a laugh. "Now there's no reason to hold back."
The 7-Eleven where the ticket was sold will also receive a $10,000 bonus from the lottery commission. Store manager Raj Patel said he was "shocked and excited" to learn the winning ticket came from his location. Michigan Lottery ticket sales generated more than $920 million in revenue for state programs last fiscal year, with a significant portion funding the state's public school system through the Michigan School Aid Fund.