The Curious Case Of The Hidden Lottery Winner Who Bought Ticket From His Own Store

Hidden in the photo but named publicly. Can Michigan Lottery winner Cliff Yaldo keep out of the public eye? Photo: Michigan Lottery

The named owner of a lottery and liquor store in Livonia has won the Michigan Lottery Lucky For Life game, but chose to keep his face hidden.

Cliff Yaldo's family has owned Livonia Liquor Shoppe for the last 11 years, and the business will also receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket.

Yaldo will receive $25,000 annually for the next 20 years.

"Knowing I have $25,000 coming each year is just such a relief. It’s hard to put into words what it means for me and my family, but it takes so much stress off my shoulders," he said.

The winning ticket

“Players were coming in and telling us that the store had sold a winning Lucky For Life ticket,” said Yaldo.

"I never in a million years expected it to be mine. I checked my ticket when I got home and went crazy. It’s such a surreal feeling to have won."

Camera-shy Yaldo said he plans to use his winnings to take a trip and start saving for a wedding and possibly a new home.

But what about his right to privacy?

In Michigan, winners of large jackpots are a matter of public record. Lottery officials usually publicise the win with a news conference complete with television cameras, reporters and lots of questions.

Some winners are disappointed to learn their good fortune can’t remain a secret, but others want to shout the news.

One winner told lottery officials no amount of publicity was too much because his luck was a “blessing from God” he wanted to share.

Another pleaded for officials to publicize his luck because “he was from Hillsdale, and people in Hillsdale didn’t believe he won.”

"There’s all kinds of motivation," officials said.

The Livonia Liquor Shoppe in Mile Road, Livonia. Photo: Yelp