Worcester County resident Michael Byrne says he plans to spend more time playing golf after winning $500,000 on a scratch-off, but he won’t be quitting his day job.
A Worcester County man almost passed up a scratch-off ticket that ultimately delivered a $500,000 top prize.
Michael Byrne, a longtime Maryland Lottery player, purchased a Bonus Bingo X20 2nd Edition ticket before starting his morning shift at a grocery store, a purchase he easily could have delayed. That’s because it wasn’t until his breaktime that he played the ticket.
At first, Michael thought he had won a $1,000 prize. As he continued revealing numbers, however, he realized the win was much bigger — a $500,000 top prize.
“I was amazed,” said the longtime cashier.
Despite the discovery, Michael finished his shift and said he plans to continue serving customers at the grocery store where he has worked for more than 26 years.
“I’m not going to change. I’m going to keep working,” he said.
Michael claimed his prize at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore on March 9 and said he is still processing the big win.
“I’m still numb,” he said.
The avid golfer said he hasn’t made any firm plans for the prize money, but he expects to spend more time on the golf course. He also plans to continue playing his favorite Maryland Lottery bingo-style scratch-offs.
“It’s a very fun game,” he said.
Michael purchased the winning ticket at the Acme grocery store at 9507 Coastal Highway in Ocean City. The retailer will receive a $1,000 bonus for selling the top-prize ticket.
The second edition of Bonus Bingo X20 went on sale in February 2025. This win marks the fourth $500,000 top prize claimed, with one top prize still remaining, along with thousands of other prizes ranging from $20 to $50,000.
