Despite doubts that a big win would ever come their way, members of an office pool of Maryland Lottery players faithfully contributed their cash for a $6 ticket in the Nov. 30 Bonus Match 5 drawing. The skeptics are happy winners of a $50,000 top prize!
Calvin Simpson of New Castle, Del., along with 10 co-workers started a Lottery office pool two years ago. In addition to playing Bonus Match 5, the Lottery enthusiasts play Mega Millions, Powerball and Multi-Match.
The group has scored a few small wins, Calvin said, but nothing the size of the prize that came from a ticket purchased from Royal Farms #101 in Elkton.
“It’s not quite disbelief, but more a feeling of amazement and surprise,” Calvin said, recalling the moment he realized the group had a winning ticket. The 51-year-old military retiree was doing homework for postgraduate studies when he decided to check the Lottery website for the winning Bonus Match 5 numbers. He saw that the quick-pick ticket matched five numbers, but could not believe it. He then called another pool member and had him confirm the win.
Lucky Calvin said he plans to use his share of the winnings for holiday shopping.
Sharing in the happy win is Royal Farms located at 1199 East Pulaski Highway in Elkton. The lucky retailer will receive a $500 bonus from the Lottery for selling a top-prize Bonus Match 5 ticket.