Michigan Lottery Jackpot Wins in October and the Role of AI in Predictions

Winning ticket was bought in Romulus

In Wayne County, Michigan, Walter Lawson Jr. experienced a surprising jackpot win of $230,740 by matching the Fantasy 5 numbers on October 31, 2025. This follows a series of significant lottery wins in Michigan throughout October, including a $1.36 million win and another Fantasy 5 jackpot of $280,073. The article also explores the intriguing question of whether AI can predict winning lottery numbers, concluding that despite some high-profile wins using AI-generated numbers, experts assert lottery outcomes remain fundamentally random.

• Walter Lawson Jr. of New Boston won a $230,740 Fantasy 5 jackpot with ticket bought at Aaa Petroleum Inc. in Romulus.
• A 76-year-old man from St. Clair County won $1.36 million playing Diamond Wild Time Progressive Fast Cash.
• Another Michigan man won a $280,073 Fantasy 5 jackpot purchased online.
• Several lottery winners in October claimed prizes exceeding $100,000.
• AI-assisted lottery number selection led to notable wins but experts affirm AI cannot reliably predict lottery outcomes.

Jackpot win in Romulus surprises Walter Lawson Jr.

Walter Lawson Jr., 58 years old and residing in New Boston, Wayne County, Michigan, initially believed the lottery ticket scanner was malfunctioning when he checked his Fantasy 5 ticket at a local retailer. The ticket, purchased at Aaa Petroleum Inc. on 29450 Sibley Road in Romulus, matched the winning numbers 10-20-23-24-39 on October 31, 2025, resulting in a $230,740 jackpot prize. Lawson said he plays Fantasy 5 daily and expressed excitement over the win, viewing it as a rewarding payoff for his persistence.

Lawson’s plans for the prize

Lawson described his intentions for the prize money: prioritizing home improvements, settling his daughter’s student loans, and saving the remaining funds. Fantasy 5 tickets cost $1 each, with nightly drawings held at 7:29 p.m.

Other major Michigan lottery wins in October

In addition to Lawson’s jackpot, October saw a remarkable $1.36 million prize awarded to a 76-year-old man from St. Clair County. This significant sum came from the Diamond Wild Time Progressive Fast Cash game. His winning ticket was purchased at Algonac Wine & Liquor, located at 411 Michigan Street in Algonac.

Moreover, a 56-year-old man from Calhoun County secured a $280,073 Fantasy 5 jackpot with an online ticket purchase for the October 21 drawing. This man typically plays a daily draw game ticket, choosing Fantasy 5 that day based on personal preference. He discovered his win after receiving an email alert distinct from the usual notifications about smaller winnings. His winning numbers were 4, 7, 24, 25, and 30.

Summary of October’s big prize winners

There were twelve Michigan Lottery prizes over $100,000 won or claimed in October, reflecting a fruitful month for lottery players in the state. These winnings highlight the lottery’s ongoing impact on residents’ lives, with many using their earnings to manage debts, assist family, and secure financial stability.

Gambling addiction awareness

The article recognizes that while many individuals gamble responsibly, gambling can develop into a harmful addiction impacting lives and families. Resources for help are available through the national gambling hotline and the National Council on Problem Gambling website for those showing signs of addiction.

AI and lottery number predictions

A notable trend involved lottery players using artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to select numbers. Tammy Carvey, a 45-year-old Michigander, won $100,000 using AI-generated numbers during a Powerball jackpot surge towards $2 billion in early September 2025. Similarly, Carrie Edwards in Virginia won $150,000 with AI-assisted numbers two days later.

Earlier in the year, Italian university students in Lecce used AI algorithms analyzing past lottery drawings to win over $50,000, further sparking media interest in AI’s role in lottery play. This has fueled interest in apps such as Lottery AI and Lottery Picker AI, with some software costing several hundred dollars.

Expert perspectives on AI’s predictive capabilities

Despite anecdotal success stories, experts remain wary of AI’s ability to predict winning lottery numbers reliably. Kate Ruksha, a data scientist at Godel Technologies, attempted to have AI pick winning numbers randomly but found no improved outcomes. She emphasized that no AI model can consistently forecast random lottery results.

Devin O’Connor, an industry expert, reinforced that for random processes like lottery draws, AI predictions are no more accurate than human guesses. Similarly, app developer Jan Kammerath conducted thorough tests across multiple AI platforms and found that while some numbers matched, no ticket won a jackpot and the results were statistically random.

ChatGPT’s lottery advice and statistical insights

When consulted for number suggestions, ChatGPT cautioned reporters that it cannot predict winning numbers. However, the AI provided statistical observations such as the common even/odd balance in winning combinations. It offered sets of numbers based on "Hot Numbers" (frequently drawn), "Cold Numbers" (rarely drawn), and random picks to showcase different selection strategies. For example, one suggested set was 9, 28, 42, 51, 66 with a Mega Ball of 19.

Mega Millions jackpot context

Mega Millions, sold in 45 states plus Washington, DC, recently experienced a $965 million jackpot with a drawing scheduled for November 14, 2025. Since Mega Millions began, seven jackpots have surpassed $1 billion, the record being $1.602 billion on August 8, 2023, won by an anonymous player in Florida.

In April 2025, Mega Millions increased its ticket price to $5 per play, along with changes slightly improving the odds of winning, although the chances remain very long.

Conclusion

Michigan's recent lottery draws have brought multiple life-changing wins to residents like Walter Lawson Jr. and others, marking an eventful period filled with notable jackpots. While AI-assisted lottery plays have gained publicity, statistical experts confirm that lottery outcomes remain unpredictable and random by nature. Gamblers are encouraged to play responsibly and seek help if struggling with addiction.

This dynamic landscape of thrilling wins combined with emerging technological debates continues to captivate lottery enthusiasts across the United States.