His quiet morning routine erupted into a celebration after “Jim” of Hagerstown won $50,000.
Loyal player wins top-prize win playing Extreme Green scratch-off
Every morning, “Jim” of Hagerstown drives to his local Sheetz store to buy three items: a cup of coffee, a copy of that day’s newspaper and $10 or $15 worth of scratch-offs. Then, he enjoys his morning routine of reading, sipping hot coffee and scratching off instant tickets.
“It gives me something to do,” said the 78-year-old. “It kills time.”
On the day he found a $50,000 winning scratch-off in his hand, “Jim” visited his local Sheetz and saw the busy retailer only had one $5 scratch-off game remaining in the self-serve Lottery vending machine along with some $20 and $30 games. He had already put $10 into the machine and didn’t want to buy two of the same scratch-off so he purchased one Extreme Green game and one $5 FAST PLAY ticket.
“Jim” struck out with the FAST PLAY game and went to work scratching off the instant ticket. He revealed the $50,000 prize beneath a matching number in the second row and his quiet morning ended abruptly. “I went, ‘Whoo-hoo!’” he said, imitating his celebratory shouts. “Jim” then returned to the store, scanned the instant ticket to confirm his big win and signed the back of the scratch-off.
Still doubtful that so much Lottery luck really came his way, “Jim” visited another Lottery retailer he frequents and checked the scratch-off there. He got a similar lucky message. His adult daughter, who is one of his six children, helped him make the appointment to claim his prize in Baltimore. The grandfather of three and great-grandfather of many has shared the news of his big win with his wife and some family members.
His plans for the prize: “Spend it!” said “Jim,” laughing. He and his wife will probably also pay off bills, he added. A former state employee who retired after an 18-year career, “Jim” says playing Lottery games is his hobby and one he will continue to enjoy.
His Lottery retailer, Sheetz #082 located at 301 East Washington Street in Hagerstown, is also a winner. The Washington County store receives a $500 bonus from the Lottery for selling a $50,000 top-prize winning scratch-off.
The Extreme Green game went on sale in July and “Jim” won the first of its eight top prizes. Players can win $5 up to $50,000 in this game, which also has nine unclaimed $5,000 prizes remaining.
