A Macomb County woman said winning $1 million playing the Michigan Lottery’s Smokin’ Hot Million instant game is “exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between.”

“I was at Kroger and a worker was stocking the Lottery kiosk with tickets when I walked by, so on my way back by the machine I stopped to buy a few,” said the 79-year-old player, who chose to remain anonymous. “I bought five Smokin’ Hot Million tickets and scratched them when I got home later that day.

“When I scratched off the $1 million prize, I sat there and stared at the ticket for a while and then told my husband that I just won big. When he asked how big, I told him: ‘I think I just won $1 million.’ He didn’t believe me until he looked the ticket over himself. After that, we surprised our kids by inviting them over and showing them the ticket. Winning is exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between!”

“Instant games, like Smokin’ Hot Million, are a favorite among players, and in 2024, Michigan Lottery players took home more than $1.7 billion in prizes playing instant games. Their popularity helps drive sales and increase the Lottery’s contribution to the School Aid Fund,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. “Congratulations to the player on her $1 million prize! It’s great to hear that she plans to use her big win to pay it forward.”

The player bought her winning ticket at the Kroger store, located at 14945 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township. She recently visited Lottery headquarters to claim the big prize. She chose to receive her prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $693,000, rather than annuity payments for the full amount. With her winnings, she plans to share with her kids, take a cruise, and pay it forward.

Players have won more than $10 million playing Smokin’ Hot Million, which launched in May. Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $1 million. More than $36 million in prizes remain, including two $1 million top prizes, 17 $10,000 prizes, and 87 $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.