A Severn resident’s grocery run turned into a memorable experience when he scored the first $30,000 top prize on the Maryland Lottery’s new Diamond Bingo 6th Edition $3 scratch-off game.
The winner, a retiree, stopped by Maryland Lottery headquarters July 9 to claim his windfall and share the tale of his unexpected win.
The Anne Arundel County man says he bought the Diamond Bingo 6th Edition ticket on a whim while leaving the Giant grocery store at 7940 Crain Highway in Glen Burnie.
“It just caught my eye as I was walking out,” he said.
Later that week, while relaxing at home, he remembered the ticket and decided to scratch it. At first glance, he believed he had won a modest $60. It wasn’t until the following day, when he scanned the ticket at a retailer, that the real amount was revealed.
“When I heard the amount, I was confused,” he said. “I consider it luck, but I definitely wasn’t expecting that news!”
Still processing the surprise immediately after claiming, the winner said he didn’t have any immediate plans for the money. He does intend, however, to put some of it to good use.
“I’m going to save it to make my retirement easier,” he shared.
Though he’s not a frequent player, he expects to try his luck again.
“I don’t play often,” he said, “but the next time I see a ticket that catches my eye or I feel lucky, I’ll be sure to play.”
The Giant store where the winning ticket was purchased receives a bonus of $300, equal to 1% of the prize total.
The Diamond Bingo 6th Edition scratch-off launched June 23 with seven top tier $30,000 prizes. The Severn man’s win reduces the unclaimed total to six, and tens of thousands of other prizes ranging from $3 to $1,000 also remain unclaimed.
