40-Year Scratch-Off Player Happily Claims $50,000 Top Prize
A great-grandfather from Somerset County has great things to say about the Maryland Lottery, where he just claimed his fourth great big scratch-off prize in 40 years.
Irvin Ford, a loyal player who says he started playing scratch-offs when the Maryland Lottery started selling them, won a $50,000 tax-free top prize on the Biggest Taxes Paid Ever instant ticket. Over the years, he’s come to Lottery headquarters to claim prizes of $7,000, $8,000 and then $50,000. “I’ve been here before,” he said, smiling at his luck. This is his first tax-free win, however!
The Dames Quarter resident plays scratch-offs regularly for fun. On Friday, he bought two tickets at two different locations in Somerset County on his way to work. Not one to be idle, the 72-year-old worked for Dresser Industries until the company closed locally and relocated out of state. He found his next post at the Somerset County solid waste management facility, where he has worked several years.
“I still work every day,” he said. During a work break, he scratched off his tickets and revealed a wonderful surprise!
“I immediately called my wife,” he said. After sharing the news of his good fortune, he went back to work. “I sat there all day long and worked Saturday, too,” he said. Once Monday rolled around, Irvin and a friend hit the road to make the 2½ hour drive to Lottery headquarters in Baltimore to claim his prize.
The father of two adult children and grandfather of four, Irvin has one great grandchild and a second one on the way. Joking that his wife will help him spend his prize, Irvin said he plans to pay off their home equity loan and put the remainder in the bank. A life member of the American Legion Post #94 in Princess Anne, Irvin has served as its Commander for 19 years.
Want to try your luck where Irvin found his good fortune? Stop by the Goose Creek Convenience Store #05 at 9010 Ocean Highway in Westover. There are seven remaining top prizes on this $5 ticket, which launched in December.