Jerry and Marge Selbee’s mathematical genius leads to jackpot success
In a story that challenges the notion of lottery wins being solely luck, retired couple Jerry and Marge Selbee from Evart, Michigan, managed to crack the lottery code, winning an astounding $26 million. The couple’s ingenuity unfolded in the Cash WinFall game, where they exploited a unique ‘loophole,’ making headlines and sparking debates about the ethics of their strategy.
Cash WinFall, a specific lottery game, allowed the Selbees to capitalize on a distinctive feature. If the jackpot exceeded $5 million, and no one matched all six numbers, the money would ‘roll down’ to lower-tier prize winners. With Jerry’s profound mathematical skills, honed through his bachelor’s degree in the subject, it took just a few minutes for him to recognize the game’s exceptional dynamics.
Jerry explained his strategy, stating, “If I played $1100, mathematically I’d have one four-number winner – that’s 1000 bucks. I divided 1100 by six instead of 57, because I did a mental quick dirty, and I come up with 18. So I knew I’d have either 18 or 19 three-number winners, and that’s 50 bucks each.” This meticulous approach led to significant returns on their investments.
The Selbees initially invested $3600, reaping $6300 in returns. As they scaled up their investment to thousands of dollars, their success continued, involving even their kids and friends. Despite the game’s closure in Michigan, they shifted their operations to Massachusetts, where Cash WinFall was still available.
Their profitable venture caught the attention of the Boston Globe in 2011, leading to an investigation. However, authorities acknowledged that the Selbees had not committed any crimes but had rather identified a loophole in the game. By the time the investigation concluded, the couple and their associates had already amassed a fortune.
The extraordinary tale of Jerry and Marge Selbee has inspired a feature film titled “Jerry & Marge Go Large,” starring Bryan Cranston. Released last year, the movie recounts their unexpected journey to lottery success, emphasizing the fine line between ingenuity and exploiting a system.
