Bay County woman drops vacation plans, ends up winning $500,000 lottery jackpot

A little disappointment turned into the thrill of a lifetime for Traci Verbowski as she recently won a lottery jackpot worth $500,000 while playing the Michigan Lottery’s Detroit Lions instant game.

“I really wanted to go on a vacation a few weekends ago, but we ended up staying home and went out to dinner that Saturday night instead,” said Verbowski, 50, of Kawkawlin. “After dinner, I remembered I had a few Detroit Lions winning tickets, so I stopped to cash them and purchased some more. I put the tickets in my purse until I got home later that night.

“When I scratched one of the tickets and saw I won $500,000, I yelled: ‘I think I just won a lot of money!’ I showed my family the ticket and no one could believe what they were seeing. I haven’t slept a full night since because I have been so anxious and excited to come claim my prize.
“I’m so glad we ended up not going on vacation that weekend, because if we did, I wouldn’t be here claiming $500,000!”
Verbowski, who is a lifelong Lions fan, bought her winning ticket at the 7-Eleven, located at 4300 Wilder Road in Bay City. With her winnings she plans on buying a boat and saving the remainder.
“Congratulations to Traci and her family on their huge $500,000 win playing the Detroit Lions instant game,” said Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli. “The excitement for the Lottery’s Detroit Lions themed instant games can be felt all over Michigan and there are still two top prizes out there waiting to be won! Go Lions!”
For the latest on Michigan Lottery, check out the official Michigan Lottery site, which also offers more information on instant tickets, raffles and other lottery games.