Jerry and Marge Selbee used to own a convenience store in Michigan but they soon turned their attention to the lottery when they realised how they could beat it.
Their scheme began in 2003 when Jerry, who graduated with a degree in mathematics, worked out how to win different lotteries around the US.
The lottery which Jerry took part in featured a "roll down" effect, meaning if no one won the US$5m jackpot, the money would be spread across those who matched three, four or five numbers.
Working out the maths, Jerry purchased thousands of tickets knowing he would get a certain number of numbers on his ticket and would at worst break even.