An Upper Marlboro man who has faithfully played Powerball for years is celebrating the biggest win of his life after landing a third-tier $50,000 prize in the May 2 drawing.
The retired military veteran and former federal employee sticks to a simple routine when it comes to Lottery play: he exclusively plays Powerball and never misses a drawing, purchasing tickets for every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday drawing.
Until now, his biggest success had been a split prize worth about $700 several years ago, he said May 11 when he claimed the prize at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore.
The loyal player bought his winning ticket April 30 for the May 2 drawing at the Upper Marlboro Extra Fuel at 15009 Upper Marlboro Pike.
After about a week of waiting, the Prince George’s County resident finally decided to check his tickets using the Maryland Lottery app. What was a routine scan quickly became a moment he wouldn’t forget.
“At first, I thought it said $5,000,” the winner recalled. Still unsure, he scanned the ticket again. And then one more time.
After the third “Congratulations” message appeared on his screen, disbelief gave way to excitement as he realized he was actually holding a $50,000-winning ticket.
The timing of the win could not have been better, as the retiree recently made a business investment valued at about the same amount as his winnings.
Despite the big payday, the longtime player plans to continue his Powerball tradition. He hopes another trip to Lottery headquarters is in his future, only next time he’d like to claim a jackpot.
