Michael Johnson celebrates his $50,000 Hot Hand win. |
Scratches top prize two days before Christmas
Michael Johnson from Washington, DC had $11 in his pocket, and more Christmas shopping to do last Thursday evening. During his travels, he decided to stop at a Maryland Lottery retailer and purchase a Hot Hand scratch-off.
“The lady almost gave me the wrong ticket” Michael told Lottery officials. Once he had the ticket of his choice, he put it in his pocket and went home. He went about his day and forgot about the ticket until late that evening. That’s when he scratched the $50,000 prize. “I looked at it and didn’t believe it at first so I took it to a retailer to have it checked,” he said. Once it was confirmed that he was a big winner, the celebration began. Michael told his mother, girlfriend and other friends about his new fortune. He plans to pay off bills, shop and take a vacation.
The 42-year-old father is a youth counselor and enjoys playing Keno and scratch-offs. The winning ticket was purchased at the Seabrook Exxon, located at 9500 Lanham Severn Road in Seabrook.