A Maryland business owner’s casual Powerball purchase turned into a $50,000 payday when he matched five of six Powerball numbers in the Sept. 6 drawing.
The winner, who stopped by Maryland Lottery headquarters Sept. 11 accompanied by his wife, said the timing of the win couldn’t be better.
The player said he and his wife bought tickets during the recent Powerball frenzy, when the jackpot soared past $1 billion.
“I’m a casual player,” he said. “I usually only play when the jackpot gets really high or when I have a good feeling. With the pot being so big, I couldn’t help but buy a few tickets.”
When he heard that someone had won the jackpot, he initially assumed his ticket was not a winner.
“Days later, I was on the phone with my kids, and they urged me to check my numbers for a second- or third-tier prize,” he recalled. “My son even Googled the winning numbers. When I went online and saw all my numbers matched, I was floored. I was only one number away from the jackpot!”
This marks the first time the winner has scored a lottery prize. He credits his family for the big win.
“If it wasn’t for them encouraging me to double check, I wouldn’t be here claiming this prize,” he said with a smile.
The business owner, who plans to retire in a few years, said this prize will be put to good use.
“I plan to save most of it, take my wife on a nice vacation, and make sure our kids and grandkids have a memorable holiday season,” he said.
Before leaving Lottery headquarters, he was asked if he planned to play again. “Without a doubt,” he said. “If the jackpot gets high, I might buy a few more tickets to increase my chances. And if I win again, I hope to pay it forward.”
He bought the winning ticket at Walkersville Wine & Spirits, 130 Walkers Village Way, in Walkersville.
