A Baltimore County Lottery player is celebrating the win of a lifetime after a spur-of-the-moment stop at a gas station in Annapolis led to her becoming Maryland’s newest millionaire. The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, claimed her $1 million Lucky 777 scratch-off top prize at Maryland Lottery headquarters.
The winner said playing the Lottery has always been more than a game. It’s a cherished family tradition. “I’ve been playing since I became old enough,” she shared. “Growing up, I remember my mother playing regularly. She was always lucky and used to talk about winning enough one day to retire.”
Over the years, the two enjoyed playing a variety of games together, from Mega Millions to Pick 4, Pick 5 and scratch-offs. That shared tradition made her recent win feel even more meaningful. A full circle moment that brought back fond memories of her mom’s dreams.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Exxon at 2101 West Street in Annapolis on a day that started off just like any other. On her way to a meeting, the winner left early to avoid traffic and stopped at the gas station to pick up a beverage and a few scratch-offs with some time to spare.
“I bought a handful of cheaper tickets first, no winners. Then I tried a $20 MONOPOLY ticket and won my money back,” she said. “I figured my luck was running out, but decided to buy one more. the Lucky 777 ticket.”
After her meeting, she scratched just the barcode at the bottom of the ticket and scanned it using the Maryland Lottery app. What she saw next floored her.
“I saw the word ‘winner’ pop up but then I saw the amount. I just froze,” the Randallstown woman recalled. “I had to catch my breath.”
After processing the shock, she called her partner, who urged her to come home right away. The couple then invited her mother over to share the incredible news.
“She was speechless, which is rare!” the winner said, laughing.
When asked about her plans for the $1 million windfall, she said she intends to provide financial relief for her family, plan for retirement and spoil her two beloved dogs, who she affectionately calls her “kids.”
The Exxon station will receive a $1,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
