Winning a $500,000 prize turned a skeptical Washtenaw County woman into a Michigan Lottery believer.

“I honestly didn’t really think anyone ever won these huge prizes,” said the winner, who chose to remain anonymous. “I was always skeptical about the Lottery, but winning has changed my life and made me a believer!”

The lucky player won the big prize playing the Lottery’s Tax Free $500,000 instant game.

“My boyfriend and I were out and stopped to buy a few tickets,” said the 44-year-old player. “We had passed by a BP gas station I wanted to stop at, so I made him turn around so we could stop and buy our tickets there. For some reason, it just felt like we might end up being lucky if we played there.

“We scratched the tickets off in the car and cried tears of joy when we saw we had a $500,000 winner. Saying we were shocked would be an understatement. Ironically, the gas station we bought the ticket at is closed now.”

The player visited Lottery headquarters Monday to claim the big prize. With her winnings, she plans to buy a new home, vehicle, and then save the remainder.

“Winning is a dream come true. It gives me and my family opportunity I never thought was possible,” the player said.

Players have won more than $18 million playing Tax Free $500,000, which launched in January 2018. Each $5 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $5 up to $500,000. More than $25 million in prizes remain, including three $500,000 top prize and 25 $1,000 prizes.

Lottery instant games may be purchased at 11,000 retailers across the state.

In 2017, Lottery players won more than $960 million playing instant games.