A Genesee County woman says other players' complaints inspired her to buy an instant ticket that netted her a half-million dollars.

The woman was standing in line at the Marathon gas station on Clio Road in Mt. Morris when she overheard the customer in line ahead of her grumbling about not winning anything.

“I was in line at the gas station and heard the person ahead of me complain that they bought a few $500 Fever tickets and didn’t win anything,” the 65-year-old player tells the Michigan Lottery. “When I got to the counter, I asked the clerk to give me the next ticket on the roll."

Her strategy paid off, big time.

SEE ALSO:  Retired Michigan Couple Cracks the Code to Win the Lottery Again and Again

“I scratched the barcode, scanned it, and got a ‘cannot process’ message," she said. "I scratched the rest of the ticket, thinking maybe I won a little bit of money, so I couldn’t believe it when I saw I’d won $500,000. I knew what I was seeing but I didn’t want to get too excited until I called the Lottery and confirmed.”

The woman, who wishes to stay anonymous, says she plans to use the money to retire and maybe do a little investing.

Don't Let a Big Win Drag You Down

Sometimes players who win big lottery jackpots say their lives are ruined by their winnings. (Wouldn't you love the chance to prove that wrong?)

Keep reading to get the story on five Michiganians whose lives were ruined after winning big lottery jackpots.

Five Michiganians Whose Lives Were Ruined After Winning Big Lottery Jackpots

We all think winning the lottery would solve all of our problems. But you know what they say: "Be careful what you wish for."

Take a look at these five Michigan residents who won life-changing money from the Michigan Lottery. Unfortunately, all of their lives took a drastic turn for the worse after their wins.

Thank You Inmates! Ten Funny Reviews of the Genesee County Jail

Have you ever read the reviews from the Genesee County Jail? Here are what I think are the ten funniest reviews of the jail from those that have been locked up.

This Michigan Home Has an Indoor Pool (But Needs a Little TLC)

Just think of the money you'd save on gym memberships.

Owning a house with a pool in Michigan usually means enjoying a pool for about four months and loathing it the rest of the year. Not this house. This baby has an indoor pool that can be used year-round.

Although we do admit that it needs a bit of TLC.

More From Banana 101.5