Hauls away second top prize on Loteria game
A Cecil County tow truck driver has happily hauled away a Maryland Lottery scratch-off prize packed with zeroes, claiming the second $30,000 top prize on the new Loteria scratch-off. ¡Felicidades!
Loteria is the Lottery’s first bilingual instant ticket with directions in English and Spanish. Sold through the statewide network of more than 4,500 retailers, the scratch-off’s design is based on the Loteria game. The actual game is played on a tabla, or board, which is similar to bingo, with players matching images rather than bingo numbers.
The hard-working Elkton winner spends most days on Cecil County roads, helping motorists who have disabled or damaged vehicles. His assignments place him only a few feet away from moving traffic in all sorts of weather conditions. “It’s a job like any other, but I’m happy when I can do some good for people who need help,” he said.
He also enjoys helping out members of his family and friends. In fact, the 40-year-old was running an errand for a friend on a Tuesday night when his path crossed with the lucky $3 Loteria ticket.
“I was picking my brother up from work when I got a call from a friend asking me to pick up some cigarettes,” he said. After making the cigarette purchase at the Royal Farms #188 in Aberdeen, the loyal player used his change to buy a couple of scratch-offs. He scratched the tickets while waiting for his brother. The first ticket won a small prize, which brought a smile to his face. When he uncovered his second ticket, he said, his jaw dropped. One line on his boards matched the mandolin, bell, parrot and melon from the caller’s card to win the ticket’s $30,000 top prize.
The windfall comes at a great time! “This is really going to help,” said the lucky man. After paying bills, he plans to donate some of his prize to charity and then enjoy a cruise vacation.
Want to try your luck at the Royal Farms store? Stop by 742 South Philadelphia Boulevard in Aberdeen. For selling the top-prize ticket, the Harford County retailer will receive a $300 bonus.