Leland Caraway traveled from California to Maryland to win a $30,000 scratch-off prize. |
Leland Caraway traveled from California to Maryland to win a $30,000 scratch-off prize.
Wins top prize on holiday-themed $3 scratch-off
California resident Leland Caraway enjoyed a sweet payoff for visiting his family and former home in Maryland by winning a $30,000 top prize on the Maryland Lottery’s Peppermint Payout scratch-off.
The Sunnyvale man told Lottery officials he frequently returns to Maryland to visit family members. An IT specialist, he was still in a holiday frame of mind when he selected the $3 Peppermint Payout instant ticket at Queen’s Chapel Liquors in Hyattsville. He made the purchase with his aunt, who held onto the ticket and opted to scratch it off later.
Leland wasn’t with her when she discovered the big win. During her excited call to him, his aunt stammered while enthusiastically delivering the news.
This was the first time either of them had won a large lottery prize. Leland rushed to his aunt’s house to confirm the win. Sure enough, the numbers on the bottom row of the game’s pyramid of peppermints matched to deliver the game’s top prize.
Leland plans to put the prize money to good use. His kids are in private school and funds are always welcome to help with those costs. In addition, the lucky winner said he will pay off some bills and share some of the prize with family members.
Queen’s Chapel Liquors located a 3108 Queen’s Chapel Road will also celebrate, having earned a $300 retailer bonus from the Lottery for selling a top-prize winning scratch-off in the game. The $3 holiday-themed scratch-off still has two unclaimed top prizes remaining along with thousands of other prizes of $3 and up.