A Wayne County man says winning $2 million playing the Michigan Lottery’s Scorching Hot 7’s instant game “doesn’t feel real.”

The lucky player, who chose to remain anonymous, bought his winning ticket at the Grove Mini Mart, located at 745 S. Grove Street in Ypsilanti.

“I had recently bought a couple of Scorching Hot 7’s tickets and didn’t win,” said the 38-year-old player. “I decided to try my luck again on a break from work, and I am really glad I did!

“I scratched the ticket in the parking lot and started shaking like a leaf when I saw the ‘2MIL’ symbol. I FaceTimed my wife to show her the ticket because I knew she wouldn’t believe me unless she saw the ticket too.”

The lucky player recently visited Lottery headquarters to claim the big prize. He chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum payment of about $1.4 million, rather than annuity payments for the full amount. With his winnings, he plans to pay bills, take a vacation, and then save the remainder.

“Winning doesn’t feel real, and probably won’t until our bills are paid,” the player said. 

Players have won more than $29 million playing Scorching Hot 7’s, which launched in February. Each $20 ticket offers players a chance to win prizes ranging from $20 up to $2 million. More than $73 million in prizes remain, including two $2 million top prizes, 14 $10,000 prizes and 290 $2,000 prizes.

In 2022, Lottery players won more than $1.7 billion playing instant games.

Lottery instant games may be purchased at any of the 10,500 retailers across the state.