Claims first top prize on Million Dollar Spectacular scratch-off
Although it was nearly midnight, a Baltimore electrician’s excitement meter began to spin wildly. The lucky tradesman had just scratched off a Million Dollar Spectacular instant ticket and won the game’s first $1 million top prize.
The reality of the win was still setting in as the 46-year-old discussed the exciting moment with Maryland Lottery officials. The loyal scratch-off player had purchased two Million Dollar Spectacular instant tickets last week, but only got a chance to scratch them late at night. The household was quiet as he scratched the second $20 ticket to find a matching number on the very last spot. He won $1 million!
The happy man rushed to wake up his wife and tell her about the big win but the sleepy woman assumed she was having a dream. She realized the conversation was real when she awoke the next morning. Our lucky winner is still planning his next steps for the unexpected windfall but says it will not change his approach to work and life. “We take nothing for granted,” he said.
Electing to collect the prize as an annuity, the winner said the first of the 20 payments will go toward household debts.
He found his lucky ticket at the Royal Farms #40 at 7843 Telegraph Road in Severn. The store will receive a $1,000 bonus for selling the top-prize ticket.
The game still has two $1 million winning tickets in Maryland stores along with six $50,000 prizes and 24 $10,000 prizes. Players have 31 chances to win those and other prizes that start at $20.