Lottery winner - a big pile of money, — Lottery Winner - A big pile of money.

Baltimore, MD – A Baltimore fiber optics technician who only recently began playing Bonus Match 5 has claimed a $50,000 top prize, Maryland Lottery officials announced Tuesday.

The winner, who asked not to be identified, said he purchased the ticket on Aug. 19 at the Walmart located at 6405 Dobbin Road in Columbia while visiting family. The store will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

The man, a regular player of Pick games and scratch-offs, said he had never tried Bonus Match 5 until mid-August. He began winning small prizes almost immediately, including $30 payouts and a $400 win.

But when his ticket matched the numbers for the top prize, he said he initially thought it had to be a mistake.

“I started playing Bonus Match 5 last month after never having tried it before,” the winner told lottery officials. “When I saw the matching numbers and the prize, I was sure that I’d missed something. There’s no way it could be true.”

The player said he plans to use the winnings to support his family, strengthen his savings, and make charitable donations.

“I prayed about this, before and after I won,” he said. “This money will do a lot of good for my family and other people in need.”

Key Points

Baltimore man wins $50,000 Bonus Match 5 jackpot after trying game for the first time.
Ticket purchased at Walmart in Columbia, which earned a $500 retailer bonus.
Winner plans to donate to charity and boost savings with his prize.

One lucky pick turned into a life-changing payout.

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