‘Crossword Lover’ From Baltimore Lands $50,000 Top Prize

Deluxe Crossword ticket delivers big win

When asked why she enjoys the Maryland Lottery’s crossword-style scratch-off games, a 38-year-old recent winner says, “They are just fun.” After claiming a $50,000 top prize playing the $5 Deluxe Crossword 5th Edition game, this Lottery player, who calls herself “Crossword Lover,” might have a few more words to add to that statement.

Crossword Lover, a Baltimore resident, said she has been playing the crossword-style games for quite some time. Earlier this month, she purchased eight of the Deluxe Crossword scratch-off games and took them home to play. She won small amounts on a couple of her tickets. But then she scratched one that revealed four black words and four red words, delivering a $50,000 top prize.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” said Crossword Lover. “I just kept looking at it in shock.”

After coming down from the clouds, the winner shared the news with her husband, who was also astonished at the big win. The Amazon employee claimed her prize on April 23.

The mother of one hasn’t yet decided what to do with the winnings. However, she said she will continue to play her favorite crossword games.

Crossword Lover bought her lucky ticket at Tobacco Barn, located at 2101 East Monument Street in Baltimore City. The retailer also has reason to celebrate. For selling the top-prize-winning ticket, the store will receive a $500 bonus from the Lottery, equal to 1% of the $50,000 prize.

The Deluxe Crossword game launched in June 2020 and still has three more unclaimed $50,000 top prizes. Also up for grabs are six unclaimed $10,000 prizes and thousands of additional prizes ranging $5 to $1,000.