A Baltimore-area native who has been faithfully playing Maryland Lottery games for more than 40 years is celebrating a $50,000 Pick 5 win, one he says was “a long time coming.”
The player has enjoyed plenty of luck over the years with scratch-offs, Pick 4, and Pick 5 games. Every now and then, he also tries his hand at Mega Millions or second-chance promotions, “just for fun,” but Pick 5 has been his favorite in recent years.
He was sporting a huge smile Dec. 11 when he claimed his latest prize at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore.
On Dec. 5, the winner stopped by the Boost Mobile store in Gwynn Oak, his go-to location because “it’s never really crowded,” to play his numbers. The next day he returned to play again and decided to scan the tickets he had from the day before, one of which was the $50,000 winner.
“The retailer told me the amount and I didn’t know how to react,” the winner recalled. “It’s about time. I had to do a double take, and a part of me still can’t believe it.”
He first shared the good news with a few close friends and family members. The last person he told was his wife, only because he wanted to wait until the check was in hand.
“I knew she wouldn’t believe me,” he said with a laugh. “But I had to tell her.”
The loyal player plans to use his prize to square his finances and enjoy life, noting that while he isn’t sure if another win is in his future, he certainly hopes so. He even hinted he has a “secret method” he plans to continue using for future Pick 5 plays.
The retailer, Boost Mobile at 7025 Liberty Road in Gwynn Oak, will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
