Several weeks ago, a 26-year-old Montgomery County woman followed her instincts and her brother’s example and played a Maryland Lottery scratch-off. He plays often, she told Lottery officials, while she does not. However, the siblings now share a common Lottery experience — they have both won $100,000 prizes!
The Silver Spring resident still could barely accept that fact even as she completed the claims process for her top-prize Diamond 10s scratch-off win. Her inspiration to play stemmed from a memory of her brother’s Lottery luck.
“I was putting together a shopping list when an image of my brother suddenly popped into my head,” she said. The doctor’s office employee explained that earlier this year, her brother won $100,000 playing an instant ticket.
“It was very exciting for the whole family, we’re all very close,” she said. “I decided to give it a try, so I did some research.” Knowing that her brother had won on a $10 scratch-off, the lucky woman checked mdlottery.com to find a $10 game with plenty of top prizes remaining. That was her introduction to Diamond 10s.
“I saw a liquor store with a Lottery sign close to the market,” she said. The mother of two detoured to Long Branch Beer & Wine in Silver Spring. “I went in and there was Diamond 10s, so I bought one.”
She brought her instant ticket home to play just as her brother did on the day he found his $100,000 prize. “There were 22 numbers to scratch after I’d revealed my five lucky numbers. I was only on #3 when I found the $100,000 match. I was stunned at first, but I knew in my bones that it couldn’t be true.”
The player returned to Long Branch Beer & Wine to verify her win. Her doubts were replaced by shock as the cashier said, “Congratulations!” The family celebration that followed the Diamond 10s top-prize win went on for days.
The folks at Long Branch Beer & Wine, located at 649 University Boulevard East, also have reason to celebrate. The store earns a $1,000 bonus from the Lottery for selling a top-prize winning scratch-off in the game. Five more $100,000 top prizes remain in circulation along with 13 $10,000 prizes. The happy winner plans to dedicate her prize to her children’s education.