Andrew and Elizabeth Pike of La Plata celebrate their second big Lottery scratch-off win. |
Charles County man claims $50,000 prize on Black scratch-off
Experiencing one big Lottery win can shock a player but just imagine if you won big twice with Maryland Lottery scratch-offs!
Retired U.S. Coast Guardsman Andrew Pike and his wife Elizabeth did just that. The Charles County couple discovered a $50,000 prize on the Black scratch-off and, only three years ago, notched a $100,000 scratch-off win. Both wins occurred while they planned trips. Their $100,000 win came while they were preparing for a vacation in Hawaii to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. This new win hit as they prepared for a trip to Ireland to celebrate their daughter’s graduation.
“Lightning doesn’t always strike twice,” Andrew said while discussing his inexplicable luck. He’s sure glad Lottery luck does! And, although he feels fortunate to be back in the Maryland Lottery Winner’s Lounge, the avid NHL fan isn’t ruling out a “hat trick” of wins.
The La Plata man purchased his lucky scratch-off while en route to help a friend. The 48-year-old stopped at the Pisgah General Store located at 7015 Poorhouse Road in Indian Head and bought the $20 ticket. A longtime player, he typically scratches the winning numbers one by one, only revealing the prizes if he finds a match. As he scratched this instant ticket in the store, he revealed five number matches that each carried a $10,000 prize. “That’s when I said to myself ‘Here we go again,’ ” Andrew said.
The Pikes plan to spend the winnings on travel. Andrew also said he plans to give the clerk a nice tip!
The $20 Black scratch-off launched in November 2014 and still has one $1 million top prize remaining along with one more $50,000 prize and one $10,000 prize.