Rose Hockey smiles after winning $500,000 playing Platinum Wild Time.
A Beaver Island woman had a productive trip to the mainland after winning $500,000 playing the Michigan Lottery’s Platinum Wild Time instant game.
Rose Hockey, 56, bought her winning ticket at the Mobil gas station, located at 1460 Bridge Street in Charlevoix.
“I was on the mainland because I need to get a new washer and dryer,” said Hockey. “I stopped at the Mobil station and bought a few tickets. I scratched them in my car and won a few bucks, so I went back in and bought the Platinum Wild Time ticket.
“I saw the star symbol and then slowly scratched the prize off. When I saw I won $500,000, it took my breath away.”
Hockey called her fiancée, who caught the next flight to the mainland from Beaver Island, which is about 25 miles northwest of Charlevoix in Lake Michigan, so he could see the winning ticket in person.
“We celebrated a little bit with some close friends and family,” said Hockey. “The weather took a turn though, and flights back to the island have all been cancelled, so we’ve been stuck on the mainland for a few days now.
Hockey’s Platinum Wild Time ticket.
“We both needed new vehicles, so we went and bought them while we’ve been stuck on the mainland. When we get back up north, we’re going to get a new washer and dryer and get it shipped back to the island on the ferry because it only runs for one more week. If we don’t get it done in time, we’ll have to wait for spring.”
Hockey visited Lottery headquarters on Friday to claim her prize. In addition to new vehicles and a new washer and dryer, she also plans to help some family members with her windfall.
Players have won more than $12 million playing Platinum Wild Time, which launched in October. Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $500,000 million. More than $34 million in prizes remain, including two $500,000 top prizes, 80 $10,000 prizes, and 160 $1,000 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.
