HAGERSTOWN, MD – A routine stop at a gas station led a Hagerstown resident to a $50,000 surprise. The retired information technology specialist, accustomed to playing jackpot games, decided on a whim to try the $1 Million Royale scratch-off. This decision turned out to be fortuitous, as she won the second-tier prize of the $20 instant ticket.
The incident occurred in late December when the winner stopped to refuel her car. While waiting, she noticed the lottery tickets on sale at the station. Diverging from her usual choice of Mega Millions and Powerball tickets, she opted for the $1 Million Royale scratch-off, intrigued by its appearance.
At home, while scratching the ticket, she discovered a special symbol instead of a matching number. Upon checking the game rules, she realized the symbol indicated a win. Expecting a modest prize, she was stunned to uncover a $50,000 win beneath the symbol.
The winner, along with her husband, plans to use the prize for a family event, possibly a shared trip. She expressed her shock and joy at the unexpected windfall.
The $1 Million Royale game was launched in July last year, featuring seven $1 million top prizes. Five of these top prizes and four $50,000 second-tier prizes remain unclaimed, along with 52 prizes of $10,000 each.
The winning ticket was purchased at AC&T #240, located at 1701 Dual Highway in Hagerstown. The lucky couple suggests that sometimes, a change in routine can lead to a surprising turn of fortune.