Sleep Eludes Baltimore Woman after $50,000 Scratch-off Win

Constance Benny of Baltimore couldn’t sleep after winning $50,000 playing a Big Money scratch-off.

Windfall leaves her in a state of disbelief and astonishment

She had the paperwork in hand and it was official: Constance Benny of Baltimore had won a $50,000 top prize on a Big Money scratch-off. However, as she entered the Maryland Lottery Winner’s Circle, she still struggled to believe the reality of her Lottery luck.

“I didn’t even believe it until I came down here,” Constance said on May 4 while claiming her winnings at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore.

Her visit to the Winner’s Circle was made even more special because it came on the eve of her 63rd birthday and at a time when she is looking forward to retirement. With so much going on, it’s hardly a wonder she could barely contain her happiness.

“I’ve won $500 before, but nothing like this,” Constance said. A regular player when it comes to the big jackpot games of Mega Millions and Powerball, she also enjoys buying scratch-offs when she has a few extra dollars in her purse.

That’s just what happened on a recent stop at Giant #128 at 2145 York Road in Timonium. After work, Constance went to the grocery to pick up dinner and cat food. She visited the Lottery vending machine and had an extra $5 to spend, so she bought one of the $5 Big Money scratch-offs and tucked it away.

Once she was at home and comfortable, Constance remembered the $5 instant ticket, took it out and scratched the latex off the play area. She couldn’t believe what she saw! The scratch-off appeared to be a $50,000 top-prize winner. An avid participant in the Lottery’s My Lottery Rewards player loyalty program, she opened the app on her phone and scanned the instant ticket’s prize-check area. A message popped up to take the ticket to a Lottery retailer. Constance then confirmed her big win on the Maryland Lottery app, which also has a prize-check option, and could barely contain her happiness and nervousness.

She locked all of her windows and doors, and couldn’t sleep. In the morning, she even rethought her routine of feeding bread crumbs to neighborhood birds. Ultimately, Constance fed them and then made an appointment to claim her prize at Lottery headquarters.

The happy winner plans to roll her windfall into her savings account. “I’m looking to my retirement years,” she said, adding that the extra money will make the transition easier.

Also having reason to celebrate is Giant #128, which picks up a bonus of $500 from the Lottery for selling a $50,000 top-prize winning scratch-off. The bonus is equal to 1% of the prize.