A Macomb County woman and her husband couldn’t believe their eyes when she recently won $1 million in a Michigan Lottery scratch-off game.

The 79-year-old woman, who chose to remain anonymous, was grocery shopping at Kroger on 23 Mile near Hayes Road in Shelby Township when she decided to “buy a few” tickets from a lottery kiosk.

She purchased five Smokin’ Hot Million tickets and scratched them when she got home later in the 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,” she said in a news release.

“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!”

Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shreli said instant lottery games like Smokin’ Hot Million have become a favorite among player. In 2024, lottery players in Michigan 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,” Shkreli said.

The winning player recently visited Lottery headquarters in Lansing to claim her cash. 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.