A resident of central Switzerland has earned himself nearly SFr5 million ($4.71 million), redeeming a winning lottery ticket just days before the money was to go to public projects.

The man had picked the right six numbers back in January, but did not realise he was the winner until a few days ago.

Swisslos, the company that manages the lottery in the German- and Italian-speaking parts of the country, had not heard from the ticket owner since the draw.

A few weeks ago, it published a communiqué asking the winner to come forward.

The man’s wife suggested he check his tickets, an idea that lead to the SFr4.92 million windfall. A third of this sum will be automatically turned over to the tax authorities.

Around half of the Swiss take their chances on the lottery at least once a year.

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