Yes, the story of Jerry Selbee is based on a remarkable true story. Jerry Selbee, a retired Michigan man, indeed discovered a mathematical loophole in certain state lotteries, turning what seemed like pure chance into a profitable venture.
The Real-Life Jerry Selbee and His Lottery Wins
Jerry Selbee's incredible journey began in 2003 when he figured out that the Cash Windfall games in Michigan and Massachusetts had a fundamental mathematical flaw. Specifically, he noticed a unique feature called a "roll down." Essentially, when the jackpot reached a certain threshold and no one won the top prize, the money would "roll down" and be distributed among winners of lower-tier prizes. Jerry realized that during these roll-down weeks, buying a large volume of tickets guaranteed a statistical edge, as the lottery was paying out more money than it was taking in for those specific drawings.
Key Aspects of the True Story:
- Discovery of the Flaw: Jerry, a Kellogg's cereal factory worker with a strong aptitude for numbers, identified that if the jackpot didn't hit a certain amount, the money would "roll down" to be divided among lower-tier winners. This made it mathematically advantageous to buy a high volume of tickets during these specific roll-down weeks.
- Strategic Play: He started playing the Michigan Winfall lottery, buying thousands of dollars worth of tickets during roll-down periods. When Michigan's Winfall lottery was discontinued, he and his wife, Marge Selbee, transitioned to playing the Cash WinFall game in Massachusetts, driving hundreds of miles to participate.
- Community Involvement: As their winnings grew, they formed a corporation, GS Investment Strategies LLC, inviting friends, family, and neighbors to invest. This allowed them to purchase even more tickets during roll-down weeks, maximizing their returns.
- Millions in Winnings: Over several years, Jerry, Marge, and their investors collectively won nearly \$26 million, with an estimated profit of around \$8 million after expenses and taxes.
- Media Attention: Their unique story gained significant media attention, including a feature in The Boston Globe and 60 Minutes.
Lottery Games and the "Roll Down" Feature
The "roll down" is a specific mechanism designed to ensure that lottery prize money is eventually paid out, even if no one hits the jackpot for an extended period. While most lotteries distribute the jackpot to the top winner, games like the Winfall and Cash WinFall had this particular feature that Jerry Selbee exploited.
| Lottery Game | Location | Key Feature Explored |
|---|---|---|
| Winfall | Michigan | Roll Down |
| Cash WinFall | Massachusetts | Roll Down |
This unique flaw meant that the lottery was essentially paying out extra money once the pot got high enough, effectively losing money on these specific draws because the payout exceeded the intake for those tiers.
The Movie: Jerry & Marge Go Large
The true story of Jerry and Marge Selbee was adapted into the 2022 film Jerry & Marge Go Large, starring Bryan Cranston as Jerry Selbee and Annette Bening as Marge Selbee. The movie broadly captures the essence of their remarkable journey, showcasing their intelligence, community spirit, and the joy they brought to their small town by sharing their winnings. The film, like the real story, highlights how a simple mathematical insight can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
For more details on the true story, you can explore articles from reputable sources like CBS News' 60 Minutes.
