A Kent County man feels a sense of relief after winning $500,000 playing the Michigan Lottery’s Hit $500,000 instant game.

The lucky player, who chose to remain anonymous, bought his winning ticket at the Meijer store, located at 3757 Plainfield Avenue in Grand Rapids.

“I was at Meijer when I realized I had a $5 bill in my wallet,” said the 37-year-old player. “I rarely have cash on me, and it was around Christmas time, so I decided to buy myself a ticket from the self-serve machine.

“I scratched the ticket off when I got out to my car and I couldn’t believe my eyes! All I could say was: ‘Oh my gosh!’”

The player visited Lottery headquarters recently to claim the prize. With his winnings, he plans to buy a new home and then invest the remainder.

Players have won more than $3 million playing Hit $500,000 which launched in December. Each $5 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $5 up to $500,000. More than $26 million in prizes remain, including two $500,000 top prizes and 27 $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.