Giving in to the impulse to buy a $5 Maryland Lottery scratch-off paid off big for a Montgomery County man. The following day, he claimed a $50,000 top prize on his Cash Craze Doubler game.
“I’m not a gambler,” says the 34-year-old player, who goes by “Beginner’s Luck” because that describes his Lottery encounter.
Originally from Ethiopia, the lucky player and his wife moved to Silver Spring a year and a half ago after securing permanent resident status. The proceeds, he said, will make it easier for them as they start their life together in the United States.
“It will be helpful in setting a foundation,” said “Beginner’s Luck,” adding that possible uses for the prize include starting a business or buying a house. They haven’t made any firm decisions yet. The lucky winner, who works as a driving instructor, said the prize would not lead to any major lifestyle changes.
“To be rich, you don’t buy a ticket. You have to work hard,” he said. All the same, he and his wife will enjoy some sort of celebration.
Also having reason to celebrate is his lucky retailer. The Exxon gas station at 8301 Fenton Street in Silver Spring earns a $500 bonus from the Lottery, equal to 1 percent of the prize, for selling a top-prize scratch-off in the game.
Two of nine top prizes of $50,000 remain unclaimed in Cash Craze Doubler, along with more than 300 prizes of $500 or more.