Wins $50,000 on “Black” Ticket Scratch-Off
When Arnold Ellis of Greenbelt purchased his winning $50,000 “Black” ticket scratch-off, it wasn’t his first choice. As a matter of fact, he almost put the ticket back. However, once the clerk had taken it out of the dispenser he decided to keep it.
“When the owner pulled the ticket out of the case, I almost told him to put it back,” said Ellis. “But all of a sudden, I figured why not. When I started scratching the ticket I noticed that I had won $10,000. I thought I may need to take my blood pressure pills. After that, I just kept scratching and I kept winning more money!”
Winning is no stranger to the 63-year-old IT associate. He told Lottery officials that he recently won $1,600 on a trifecta when playing Racetrax. The lucky winner said that this win will help him achieve his goal of becoming totally debt free. Ellis intends to use some of his prize money for an up-coming trip and to buy his son a trombone for his birthday.
The winning ticket was purchased at Greenway Liquors on Greenbelt Rd. in Greenbelt. The new “Black” ticket scratch-off debuted last month and has three $1 million prizes. Mr. Ellis’ was the first person to claim one of seven $50,000 second-tier prizes.