Michigan Woman Wins $500,000 Lottery Prize Through Family Gift Exchange

Emily Hickox discovered the winning ticket, received after trading gifts with her father, on Christmas Day, which is also her birthday.

Emily Hickox, 25, won $500,000 from a Michigan Lottery Detroit Lions instant game ticket received during a family white elephant gift exchange.
The ticket was originally won by her father, but the two agreed to trade gifts after the game, leaving Hickox with the lucky ticket.
Hickox initially thought she won $50,000 but later realized the prize was ten times larger after scanning the ticket using the Michigan Lottery app.
She plans to use her winnings to buy a new car, invest, and share the money with her cousin, who purchased the ticket, and her parents.
Lottery officials highlighted the unique circumstances of the win, which coincided with Christmas and Hickox's birthday, calling it a dream scenario for any lottery player.