A retailer selling out of the game a Tuscola County man intended to purchase led him to trying the Detroit Tigers instant game and winning $500,000!

“I stopped at the gas station to buy a Triple Red 777s ticket, but they were sold out, so I told the cashier to give me a Detroit Tigers ticket instead,” said the 57-year-old player, who chose to remain anonymous. “It was hard to believe when I saw I’d won $500,000, but after looking the ticket over several times, I told myself it must be real.

“I signed the ticket and took it back into the store to have the cashier check it. After she scanned it, she handed it back and said: ‘Looks like you have to go to Lansing for this one!’ Winning $500,000 is an answered prayer and still hasn’t fully sunk in.”

The player bought his winning ticket at the Speedway gas station, located at 1001 West Caro Road in Caro. Caro is about 30 miles east of Saginaw. He recently visited Lottery headquarters to claim his prize. With his winnings, he plans to help his family and invest.

Players have won more than $11 million playing the Detroit Tigers instant game, which launched in April. Each $5 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $5 up to $500,000. More than $19 million in prizes remain, including two $500,000 top prizes and six $2,000 prizes.

In 2024, Lottery players won nearly $1.8 billion playing instant games.

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