A Kalamazoo County woman is saying “goodbye” to living paycheck to paycheck after winning $300,000 playing the Michigan Lottery’s 25th Anniversary Wild Time instant game.
The lucky winner, who chose to remain anonymous, bought her winning ticket at Hoffman’s Corner Store, located at 5905 South Westnedge Avenue in Portage.
“I was waiting to start my shift at work, so I scratched the ticket off,” said the 25-year-old player. “I immediately knew I won big because the prize was under the first number I scratched.”
The player kept her lips sealed about the big prize and hid the ticket in a safe place at work while she completed her shift.
“It was the longest seven hours of my life,” said the player, who asked that her employer not be identified. “I was able to sneak away to call my fiancée and my Mom to tell them I won, but other than that no one knew.”
The player visited Lottery headquarters Wednesday to claim the big prize. With her winnings, she plans to buy a new car, pay for her wedding, and then invest the remainder.
“Winning gives me such a sense of relief. It’s great to know I won’t be struggling to make ends meet any more,” the player said.
Players have won more than $5.5 million playing 25th Anniversary Wild Time, which launched in December 2017. Each $5 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $5 up to $300,000. More than $24 million in prizes remain, including two $300,000 top prizes, nine $25,000 prizes, and 25 $2,500 prizes.
Lottery instant games may be purchased at 11,000 retailers across the state.
In 2016, Lottery players won nearly $817 million playing instant games.
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