“Perception Dad” of Taneytown, strikes a pose after picking up a $30,000 scratch-off prize at Lottery headquarters. |
Finds top-prize winning Diamond Bingo scratch-off
A Taneytown dad who likes the convenience of buying scratch-offs from Maryland Lottery vending machines picked up a $30,000 payday on the Diamond Bingo instant ticket.
“I’ve been playing regularly at lunchtime,” said the 39-year-old. He selects his instant tickets, scratches off their prize-check areas and scans the games at the vending machine. The appeal of this method lies in its “instant gratification,” said the loyal player, who chose the alias “Perception Dad” for his Lottery publicity photo.
On the day of his big win, “Perception Dad’s” gratification wasn’t as instant as when his games yield low-tier prizes. This time, the machine did not list the prize amount for his winning scratch-off. Instead, the message directed him to file his claim at Lottery headquarters. He soon realized, however, he was holding a $30,000 top-prize winning Diamond Bingo game.
“Perception Dad” had no celebrations planned yet when he visited Lottery headquarters in Baltimore to claim the prize. However, he had made plans for his winnings. His vehicle needs a new set of tires, his stepdaughter is starting college next year and needs a car and the rest of the windfall will go to “living expenses,” he said.
Sharing in “Perception Dad’s” good luck is Sheetz #132 at 40 Antrim Boulevard in Taneytown. The Carroll County store picks up a $300 bonus for selling a top-prize winning scratch-off. The bonus is equal to 1 percent of the prize.
The $3 Diamond Bingo game made its debut on July 22. “Perception Dad” is the first player to win one of the five $30,000 top prizes. Still unclaimed are about 700 prizes at the $500 and $1,000 level along with thousands of others for smaller amounts.