Missouri man wins $50,000 top prize on 20X the Cash scratch-off
A scratch-off player who hails from the Show Me state of Missouri told the Maryland Lottery to “show me the money” after winning a $50,000 top prize on a 20x the Cash instant ticket.
The 69-year-old St. Louis resident found his Lottery luck on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. He was traveling home after visiting his daughter in New Jersey when he stopped for gas in the small Western Maryland town of Grantsville. In addition to filling up his tank, the lucky man made a purchase that filled up his bank account, too.
“I like to play scratch-offs from time to time,” he said, “but the gas station did not sell Lottery games.” The gas station attendant advised him to go across the street to Lottery retailer Grantsville Liquors, which he did. The retiree purchased two 20X the Cash scratch-offs and won $15 on the first instant ticket. He was shocked to see the $50,000 prize on the second scratch-off.
“I almost fell over,” said the winner. “I’m just so thankful, you know, some people never win.”
The father of three then faced a dilemma. Did he wait here for a few days to claim his prize, go home and claim his prize later or return right after the holiday weekend when Lottery headquarters opened?
“I knew the office was closed for Memorial Day on Monday,” said the winner. “I decided to just go home, take care of some business and come back later in the week.” He told Lottery officials that he enjoys driving and the $50,000 prize was worth the road trip to Baltimore.
The grandfather of four claimed his prize on Thursday. He has yet to share the news with his family, saying he’ll tell them once the check arrives in the mail! For now, the winner plans to bask in the glow of his win and decide later what to do with his windfall.
Also earning a cash infusion is the lucky Lottery retailer. Grantsville Liquors located at 163 Main Street in Grantsville will receive a $500 bonus from the Lottery for selling a $50,000 top-prize scratch-off.
The 20X the Cash game, which is part of the Multiplier Family of Games, still has three unclaimed $50,000 top prizes, six $5,000 prizes and thousands of others ranging from $5 to $1,000. Other members of the Multiplier Family are 5X the Cash, 10X the Cash and 50X the Cash games.