This “Lucky Winner” is a new Maryland millionaire, thanks to the Win Big scratch-off game. He and a family member claimed the big prize. |
Takes home first $1 million top prize in scratch-off game
A “Lucky Winner” from New Market enjoyed a case of Maryland Lottery déjà vu as he received a round of applause at Lottery headquarters. The Frederick County man just claimed his fourth big Lottery prize! This time, however, the 59-year-old is $1 million richer due to his top-prize win on the Win Big scratch-off.
Back in August, when “Lucky Winner” last visited Lottery headquarters in Baltimore, his parting words were, “I hope to be back here sometime soon!” So the big question is, what is his big secret to keep winning big? “Lucky Winner” replied, “I always say, ‘You don’t throw out the tickets.’ I always check my tickets twice.”
His past Lottery wins include $10,000, $25,000 and $100,000 scratch-off prizes. The happy player bought his lucky Win Big scratch-off at High’s #83 in New Market. He included the instant ticket in a batch of scratch-offs he planned to double-check at a Lottery retailer before tossing.
“I went to Weis (Markets) because I needed to go get groceries and I remembered I had a few tickets that I haven’t scanned yet,” he said. The message he saw on the ticket checker directed him to cash in the Win Big ticket at Lottery headquarters. The experienced winner knew what that message meant!
“I scratched the ticket to see what I won and when I saw a zero and saw the zeros continuing, I said, ‘Oh, you got to be kidding me!’ ”
With excitement and disbelief, “Lucky Winner” called his wife to share his amazing and shocking news. He wanted to rush to Lottery headquarters to claim his prize, but it was the weekend and headquarters was closed. So, “Lucky Winner” got creative to keep the ticket safe until his déjà vu trip to the Winner’s Circle could take place.
The loyal Lottery player plans to use the prize to pay bills, do some work on his house and possibly buy gifts. Sharing his celebration is his lucky Lottery retailer. High’s #83 located at 11780 Old National Pike in Frederick County earns a $1,000 bonus from the Lottery for selling the top-prize scratch-off in the $20 game.
The Win Big game went on sale in November at Lottery retailers. There are still six unclaimed $1 million prizes remaining along with 13 unclaimed $50,000 prizes and thousands of others ranging from $20 to $10,000.