LAUREL, Md. — A routine walk turned into a life-changing moment for Ramiro Polanco Mendez of Howard County, who won $50,000 on a Mega Bucks scratch-off ticket and now plans to open his own business.
Earlier this month, Mendez stopped at the Exxon station located at 801 Washington Boulevard in Laurel during one of his regular walks. He purchased two $10 Mega Bucks tickets. The first ticket was a loss, but the second revealed the surprise of a lifetime.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” Mendez said. “I had to scan it to be sure.” The scanner confirmed a $50,000 win — not the $100,000 top prize, but enough to set his future in motion.
After a few more games, Mendez returned home and shared the news with family. He claimed his prize on Tuesday, June 17, and said he will use the money to invest in a small business.
More big wins still available in Mega Bucks game
The $10 Mega Bucks scratch-off launched in November. According to Maryland Lottery officials, six of the nine $100,000 top prizes remain unclaimed. Four of the $50,000 second-tier prizes, 15 $10,000 prizes, and thousands of smaller wins are still available.
