Winning a $1.9 million Lotto 47 jackpot turned a local Michigan Lottery skeptic into a believer.

Eric Hartman, of Dexter, matched all six Lotto 47 numbers drawn March 14: 03-14-29-34-40-47. He bought the winning ticket at the Marathon gas station on Main Street in Dexter. The 33-year-old Hartman said that, “Up until about 12 days ago, I didn’t think anyone won the Lottery. I thought it was all a conspiracy, but I have a much different outlook now.”

Hartman says he was on lunch at work when he heard that a local player had won the jackpot. He said he went and checked his ticket, and couldn’t believe that he had the winner. He then left work early to get his ticket home and in his safe. Hartman visited Lottery headquarters Monday to claim the jackpot. He chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum cash payment of about $1.2 million rather than 30 annuity payments for the full jackpot.

Hartman says he has a young daughter, so the jackpot will definitely help out with her expenses, adding that he will probably invest most of it for now. While winning felt great, Hartman says he already has a great life, “so this is just icing on the cake for me.” (JK)