A stop for gas paid off for a Saginaw County woman who won $500,000 playing the Michigan Lottery’s $500 Fever instant game.

The lucky player, who chose to remain anonymous, bought her winning ticket at the Conlee Travel Center, located at 9180 Birch Run Road in Birch Run.

“I stopped to get gas on my way to work and decided to buy a Lottery ticket while I was there,” said the 40-year-old player. “I scratched the ticket once I got in my car and couldn’t believe it when I saw I had won $500,000. I’m still in shock.”

The lucky player visited Lottery headquarters to claim her prize. With her winnings, she plans to purchase a house and a new car.

Players have won more than $16 million playing $500 Fever, which launched in August. Each $5 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $5 up to $500,000. More than $14 million in prizes remain, including two $500,000 top-prizes and 6,656 $500 prizes.

Lottery instant games may be purchased at 10,500 retailers across the state.

In 2019, Lottery players won more than $1.2 billion playing instant games.