Extra cash could help with swimming pool construction, extended vacation
A high-energy Maryland Lottery enthusiast from Clinton was all smiles Feb. 23 when he claimed his largest-ever prize, a $50,000 windfall on a $1 straight bet in the new Pick 5 game.
The federal employee in a high-pressure job said he enjoys the thrill of gambling for reasons that seem counterintuitive, even to him.
“My job is stressful, so I play the Lottery and it is a stress relief for me,” he said. Typically, the 48-year-old is satisfied just playing games and occasionally wins prizes of $1,250. That is the payout on certain Pick 4 combination $1 box bets, which he favors. In addition, the player recalls a fairly hefty win on a scratch-off.
His $50,000 prize came from a bet using the digits 3, 0, 1, 7 and 2, a combination that has significance for the player and his family. As for how he will spend his prize, the Prince George’s County resident said he had a few thoughts. First, he has a swimming pool under construction and the extra funds will help pay for that project. Also, he’s planning an extended vacation with his wife in the near future and some of the prize could help with that endeavor. The trip, he said, is kind of a bucket list activity, and he mused that his Lottery winnings likely will go to extend the bucket list by a few more activities.
Also picking up a $500 bonus is the Prince George’s County store where he bought his winning ticket. Coventry Way Exxon at 6441 Coventry Way in Clinton earns the bonus from the Lottery for its role in the ticket sale. The bonus is equal to 1 percent of the total prize.
Building on the long-running success of its Pick 3 and Pick 4 games, the Maryland Lottery added twice-daily drawings of Pick 5 to its lineup beginning Feb. 7. As of Feb. 24, the Lottery had 20 $25,000 winners on the 50-cent straight bet and six $50,000 winners on a $1 straight bet.
