A Clinton County woman got the best gift of all when she scratched off a $1 million winning Major Cashword instant game ticket on Christmas!

The lucky 66-year-old player, who chose to remain anonymous, bought her winning ticket at Ox’s Smoked Meats, located at 113 West Main Street in Westphalia. Westphalia is about 25 miles northwest of Lansing.

“I bought several lottery tickets to give to family as Christmas gifts, and this Major Cashword ticket is the only ticket I purchased for myself,” said the player. “I scratched the ticket on Christmas and thought I won $1,000 because I didn’t count all the words right away. I scanned it on my Lottery app and was in complete and total disbelief when $1 million came up on the screen! I showed my husband and kids what I’d won and then immediately locked the ticket in the safe.

“I give Lottery tickets as gifts every year, and my dad has always said that one of these years someone is going to win big. I can’t believe it was me! I’m still in shock.”

“Finding out you won a $1 million Lottery prize on Christmas surrounded by your family is an amazing and exciting way to win,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. “Congratulations to the lucky player on her big win!”

The player recently visited Lottery headquarters to claim the big prize. She chose to receive her prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $634,000 rather than annuity payments for the full amount. With her winnings, she plans to take a few trips and then save the remainder.

Players have won more than $51 million playing Major Cashword which launched in February. Each $20 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $20 up to $1 million. More than $35 million in prizes remain, including one $1 million top prize, 18 $5,000 prizes, and 327 $1,000 prizes.

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

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