‘I lost my mind,’ player says of his reaction after checking his scratch-off
A self-described “Lottery fiend” from Baltimore who enjoys playing scratch-offs that cost $5 or less hit for a $30,000 prize on the $3 Bonus Crossword game.
While claiming his prize at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore, the “Lottery fiend” said it was his biggest prize to date by far. Previous memorable wins have mainly been in the $50 to $100 range. His sister, however, won a prize of $77,000 a few years ago, he said.
A fan of the Maryland Lottery app, he used it to scan and check his instant ticket for a win after he revealed several words on his crossword puzzle.
“I knew I won something, but when I checked it, I lost my mind,” he said.
The happy winner plans to use part of his prize to settle debt related to the COVID-19 shutdown, adding, “I’ll have a little something to put away, too.”
Sharing in his good fortune is Jack’s Fine Food at 4519 Kenwood Avenue in Baltimore, where he bought the hot scratch-off. The Baltimore County store receives a $300 bonus, equal to 1% of the prize, from the Lottery for selling a $30,000 top-prize winning scratch-off.
The lucky player won playing the fourth edition of the Bonus Crossword game, which went on sale in February 2022. Two of its top prizes are awaiting discovery, along with others ranging from $3 to $5,000.
