Baltimore resident “It’s About Time Bill” said just that about his $1 million win. |
Monopoly scratch-off prize gives couple a reason to go house shopping
If you learn anything from the Maryland Lottery’s latest $1 million scratch-off winner, it’s the lesson to try new things and never give up! The Baltimore scratch-off fan, nicknamed “It’s About Time Bill,” didn’t know these two lessons would help him become $1 million richer but he followed his instincts to a life-changing win.
A loyal Lottery player since 1973, “It’s About Time Bill” started on the road to good fortune when he visited his local Lottery retailer. He wanted to buy several of the $5 Gold Bar Bingo scratch-offs. Once he sat down and played them, “It’s About Time Bill” discovered he’d won $500. When the happy player went to the cashier to retrieve his winnings, however, the cashier broke the bad news.
“The lady told me that the manager is the only person who can pay me because the money was locked in a safe,” said the winner, a 78-year-old grandfather of three. “It wasn’t a problem. I just left and went up the road to my other favorite store where I sit down and play while my friends play Racetrax. When I got there, I planned on buying more bingo tickets.”
This is the point in the story where “It’s About Time Bill,” a fishing and crabbing enthusiast, tried new things. He said he rarely purchases $20 scratch-offs. Because he won $500, the loyal player decided to splurge on an instant ticket with a higher price. He picked the $20 Monopoly scratch-off and it delivered the biggest prize of his life!
“It’s About Time Bill” told his wife about the big win, but she didn’t believe him until he sent her a photo from the Maryland Lottery Winner’s Circle that showed him holding a ceremonial check.
“She just texted me back,” the happy winner told Lottery officials. “She said, ‘Well, I guess this is real! I’m already looking for our new home.’ ”
“It’s About Time Bill” laughed as he read the text aloud. “I guess this means she will retire soon and we’re moving to Delaware!”
Quick Mart at 8604 Loch Raven Boulevard in Towson also has a reason to celebrate. The convenience store will earn a $1,000 bonus from the Lottery for selling the top-prize scratch-off in the game. Monopoly still features one unclaimed $1 million prize, two $50,000 prizes and six $10,000 prizes. Players can also find thousands of lower-tier prizes, too.