A self-proclaimed cat enthusiast and devoted Maryland Lottery player from Baltimore is celebrating her biggest win to date: $50,000 from a $1 straight bet match on the Aug. 29 Pick 5 midday drawing.
“It seems like a dream come true,” she said Sept. 2 when she claimed the windfall at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore. Her brother was at her side, and she characterized him as her “newly hired security.”
The winner started playing at the Lottery’s inception and, though she’s no stranger to winning, she’s never hit for as much as the five-figure payday she got on Pick 5. Her previous personal best wins were in the $500 range and came on scratch-off tickets.
Her favorite games over the years include the Bingo and Crossword scratch-offs, as well as the daily draw games including Pick 5.
Asked about the day of her win, she described it as “an ordinary Sunday.” While spending time with family, she stopped by the Sunoco gas station at 750 East 25th Street in Baltimore and decided to play her usual numbers: 8-1-6-5-1, a combination based on her birthday.
The next day, she returned to the store to check her tickets and was stunned to see the word “Winner!” appear. To be sure, she double checked the ticket again using the Maryland Lottery app on her phone — and then the reality set in. She was holding a $50,000 ticket!
She celebrated by sharing the news with close relatives, who were equally shocked and excited. Her big win has motivated her entire family to play more, she said.
Asked about plans for winnings, she said she intends to save most of it and make renovations to her home.
And as for her future with the Lottery? She’s not slowing down anytime soon.
“I can confidently say, I’ll never stop playing. I’ve always played! It’s a part of my life, and now that I’ve won, I hope to have even more success in the future.”
The Sunoco station receives a bonus of $500 for selling the top tier Pick 5 winner.
