A young Prince George’s County contractor turned a few dollars in change from a snack purchase into a $50,000 prize by purchasing a scratch-off on a whim.
The Bladensburg resident visited Maryland Lottery headquarters on July 21 to claim his prize and share the story behind his win.
He said he has been playing Lottery games for about a year. Growing up, he watched family members enjoy playing scratch offs and other Lottery games. A few years back, once he was old enough to play, he promised himself that one day he’d win big.
That promise became reality after a long day at work. He stopped at the Sunoco station at 4836 Kenilworth Avenue in Hyattsville to pick up water and a few snacks. With the money he had left over, he decided to buy a 50X the Cash scratch-off, a $10 game.
Scratching the ticket inside the store, he uncovered a $50,000 prize on the second of five rows.
“My jaw dropped. I was speechless reading the ticket,” he said.
Still in disbelief, the winner rushed home to share the news with his family.
Rather than splurging, the winner has a practical plan: he intends to use the prize money to help renovate his family’s home.
Asked whether he’ll continue playing the Lottery, he laughed and admitted it’s uncertain.
“I might play in the future, but it’s a big maybe,” he said.
On sale since early January, 50X the Cash has a top prize of $100,000, of which two remain unclaimed. Three $50,000 prizes remain.
