Homemaker claims prize on Royal Gems game
A Baltimore County woman who loves playing $20 Maryland Lottery scratch-offs found $10,000 worth of luck with a game that became her favorite in recent weeks – Royal Gems.
“I won $500 almost the first time I played it, so I decided to stick with it,” said the Essex homemaker.
The wife and mother of two is a true instant ticket fan. “I really enjoy them so I get a few every week,” she said. While out shopping, she found herself at Royal Farms #15 at 1601 Middleborough Road in Baltimore and noticed her favorite game among the store’s Lottery options.
“I scratched it and found a $10,000 match with the very first number,” said the 58-year-old. “My hands started shaking.” The cashier noticed and asked if there was something wrong. “I couldn’t speak,” she said. “I just pointed at the ticket.”
The winner plans to use her prize to help her adult children, will donate to her church and put whatever is left into savings. “We haven’t had a vacation in a while, so maybe it’s time.” She also plans to keep playing instant tickets a few times a week.
“Scratching is a lot of fun for me,” she said, “with the anticipation and wondering what might be under there.”
The Royal Gems game debuted last September and so far has awarded two of its three $1 million top prizes. Two $50,000 prizes are still unclaimed as well as five more $10,000 prizes.