Lucky woman claims top prize playing $100,000 Crossword game
Lottery officials hear many stories of why a player chooses a particular scratch-off to play. Some say they like the game’s play style, find the ticket’s design appealing or the game’s name caught their attention. A Prince George’s County woman who was playing crossword-themed scratch-offs to help her learn English just won a $100,000 top prize on a $100,000 Crossword 7th Edition game.
The Beltsville player visited Lottery headquarters in Baltimore this week to claim her prize and was accompanied by her son, who translated for her and shared her story. Originally from Cambodia, his mom started playing the Maryland Lottery’s $5 and $10 crossword-themed scratch-offs a couple of years ago. She thought it would be a good way to learn new English words, he said. If she ever won, she thought, that would just be a bonus.
The loyal player purchased the winning instant ticket about two weeks ago from Ollie’s Beer, Wine & Deli in Rockville. She bought one game, a $10 $100,000 Crossword scratch-off, to play later at home. The lucky lady thought she might have won but was unsure so she gave the game to her daughter to check. The scratch-off indeed turned out to be the top-prize winner.
“She didn’t believe it,” said her son. “She’s won small amounts in the past, but was super excited about winning such a large amount this time.”
The grocery store employee shared the news with a few family members and her son helped her make an appointment to claim the prize. The winner said she plans to use the windfall to visit her home country and help family members as needed. She also plans to continue practicing English by playing the crossword-themed scratch-offs.
Celebrating with her is Lottery retailer Ollie’s Beer, Wine & Deli. The business located at 2011 Veirs Mill Road in Rockville will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Lottery for selling a $100,000 top-prize winning scratch-off.
The 7th Edition of the $100,000 Crossword game went on sale in August 2023. The winner claimed the sixth $100,000 top prize on the game; two remain. Also still up for grabs are seven $10,000 prizes, seven $1,000 prizes and many more ranging from $10 to $500.
