Avid player claims top prize on Amazing 8s game
Jorge Castro of Parkville had a restless weekend after winning a $50,000 top prize on a lucky Amazing 8s scratch-off. The 66-year-old enjoys playing scratch-offs, especially the Amazing 8s game because he previously won $150 on the popular instant ticket.
Last Friday, Jorge visited the Harford BP located at 6823 Harford Road in Parkville to purchase several Amazing 8s scratch-offs. He purchased two of the $5 games and then decided to buy two more. As soon as Jorge started to scratch the lucky ticket, he knew he was a winner.
“The same number kept popping up and all of my numbers matched the winning numbers,” he said, smiling. “There were so many different prize amounts! I was overwhelmed.”
With shaking hands, Jorge gave the ticket to the cashier. She informed him that he won $50,000 and should immediately sign the back of the ticket and take it to Lottery headquarters in Baltimore. Jorge took the cashier’s advice and signed his ticket but had to wait until Monday, when Lottery headquarters opened, to claim the prize. He went home and shared news of his good fortune with his wife, family and a close neighbor.
“I hid my ticket in an envelope and put it in my drawer,” he said. “I had a little trouble sleeping, but I did get some rest.”
Jorge, his wife, sister-in-law and neighbor came to Baltimore to claim the prize. He plans to treat his family and friend to a meal and spend the rest of the winnings on home improvements and a used truck.
Also celebrating his win is the Harford BP, which will receive a $500 bonus from the Lottery for selling the top-prize scratch-off in the game. Amazing 8s still has one more $50,000 top prize awaiting discovery at Lottery retailers along with three $8,888 prizes.