A Wayne County woman feels like a weight has been lifted off of her shoulders after winning $1 million playing the Michigan Lottery’s Red Hot Millions instant game.

The player, who chose to remain anonymous, bought her winning ticket at Mike’s Beverage Warehouse, located at 20055 Van Born Road in Taylor.

“I scratched the ticket off and just kept thinking that what I was experiencing couldn’t be real,” said the 60-year-old player. “I have played instant games for years, and never really expected to win this much. It’s stunning!”

The player visited Lottery headquarters recently to claim her prize. She chose to receive her prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $634,000 rather than 30 annuity payments for the full amount.

With her winnings, she plans to pay off her home and help her husband retire early.

“Winning has lifted a weight off my shoulders and means I can enjoy the time I have left here with my family,” the player said.

Players have won more than $25 million playing Red Hot Millions which launched in March. Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $1 million. More than $25 million in prizes remain, including two top prizes of $1 million and 51 $2,000 prizes.

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

In 2020, Lottery players won more than $1.5 billion playing instant games.