A store clerk’s lucky pick led to a 22-year-old Wayne County woman winning a $500,000 prize playing the Michigan Lottery’s $500 Large instant game.

“My boyfriend and I stopped to get a bottle of wine on a way to a party at his grandmother’s house,” said the player, who chose to remain anonymous. “When I was checking out, I asked the clerk to grab me a $5 instant game ticket, and he handed me the $500 Large ticket.

“When I got back to the car, I scratched the ticket off and saw I matched the number six for a $500,000 prize. I ran back inside to have the ticket scanned and that when everything got crazy. People were all so excited for me and celebrating my huge win!”

The player bought her winning ticket at Mac’s II, located at 22399 Northline Road in Taylor.

The player visited Lottery headquarters recently to claim her prize. With her winnings, she plans to share with family and then save the remainder.

“Growing up, we made ends meet but it was tight. Going from having almost nothing to having something in my bank account is overwhelming, but amazing at the same time,” the player said.

Players have won more than $9 million playing $500 Large, which launched in May. Each $5 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $5 up to $500,000. More than $22.7 million in prizes remain, including two $500,000 top prizes.

In 2022, Lottery players won more than $1.7 billion playing instant games.

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