HAGERSTOWN, Md. — A retired landscaper from Western Maryland walked into a liquor store for one reason — a banner in the window — and walked out with a $50,000 winning scratch-off ticket.
The Sharpsburg resident, who goes by “Shady Grady,” claimed one of the top prizes in the Maryland Lottery’s $50,000 Cash game after buying the ticket at Hub City Liquors on Maryland Avenue in Hagerstown. He visited Lottery headquarters on May 15 to officially collect his prize.
He said he was driving by when a lottery banner advertising a previous win caught his attention. That impulse stop led to his life-changing purchase.
The win marks the 96th top-prize claimed in the $50,000 Cash game, which launched in December 2022 with 160 top prizes available. According to the Lottery, Hub City Liquors will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Liquor store continues hot streak of winning tickets
This isn’t the first time the store has produced a major winner. In 2023 alone, it sold a $2 million Cash is King ticket to a local dog groomer and a $100,000 Ultimate Cash ticket to a Washington County couple.
“Shady Grady” said he handed the ticket to his wife because he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. After confirming the win, the couple celebrated at home, describing the moment as “lots and lots of laughter.” They plan to save and invest the full prize.