 One of Maryland’s two new millionaires, the “Big Hammer,” celebrates his Mega Millions win. |
Winners claim Mega Millions and Royal Gems scratch-off prizes
It’s not every day that a winner walks into the Maryland Lottery’s Customer Resource Center to claim a $1 million prize, let alone two $1 million winners at the same time. Today, a Crofton man claimed his $1 million Mega Millions prize and a Bel Air man handed over his $1 million top-prize winning Royal Gems scratch-off.
The $1 million Mega Millions ticket was purchased at Crofton Bowling Centre at 2115 Priest Bridge Drive in Crofton. The 51-year-old winner matched all five white balls on Tuesday night, missing the jackpot by just one number. The new millionaire, who enjoys playing both Mega Millions and Powerball, was accompanied by his brother when claiming the prize. He checked his ticket after hearing that a winning ticket was sold at that location.
“I thought it was a $100,000 winner at first,” said the lucky player, who dubbed himself “Big Hammer” for his Lottery picture. “My brother printed out the story from the Lottery’s website and that’s how we found out it was a million dollar win.”
The Anne Arundel County resident plans to put his winnings in the bank for now. The lucky retailer receives a $2,500 bonus for selling a second-tier Mega Millions ticket.
The other $1 million winner, a 38-year-old from Harford County, also plans to save most of his prize. The lucky Royal Gems scratch-off was purchased at Mace Liquors at 507 Mace Ave. in Essex. For selling the winning ticket, the retailer will receive a $1,000 bonus.