An Oakland County woman is looking forward to “doing whatever she wants” after winning $500,000 playing the Michigan Lottery’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year instant game.

The lucky 72-year-old player, who chose to remain anonymous, bought her winning ticket at AMS Enterprise Inc., located at 1715 North Pontiac Trail in Walled Lake.

“I love the holiday games, and I play them every year when they come out,” said the player. “I scratched my The Most Wonderful Time of the Year ticket when I got home and thought I’d only won $5 at first. After looking the ticket over a second time, I realized I’d actually won $500,000 and yelled: ‘Oh my gosh! I can’t believe this!’ You never think you’re going to win the big one and then one day, when you least expect it, it happens!”

The player recently visited Lottery headquarters to claim her big prize. With her winnings, she plans to take care of her family and then save the remainder.

“Winning is an awesome feeling because now I can do whatever I want,” said the player.

Players have won more than $13 million playing The Most Wonderful Time of the Year instant game, which launched in October. Each $10 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $10 up to $500,000. More than $19 million in prizes remain, including one $500,000 top prize and 10 $2,000 prizes.

In 2023, Lottery players won nearly $1.8 billion playing instant games.

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