Ex-wife’s birthday delivers $50K win for longtime lottery player

Maryland man hits $50K lottery jackpot using ex-wife’s birthday after 40 years of playing

Deale, MD — After four decades of playing the Maryland Lottery with modest success, one Anne Arundel County man finally struck gold this week — landing a $50,000 Pick 5 prize with numbers inspired by none other than his ex-wife’s birthday.

The longtime lottery player claimed his winnings at Maryland Lottery headquarters on Monday, describing it as his first “brag-worthy” score since the 1990s. The winning numbers — 2-6-2-1-2 — were a variation of a birthday he’s been using on and off for years, and this time, they delivered.

“I’ve had some wins over the years, but nothing worth bragging about until now,” the player said, adding that the win “felt overdue.”

The Anne Arundel man, whose identity was not disclosed by lottery officials, said he’s only shared the news with his children — and promised them an especially memorable Christmas. For decades, he’s alternated playing numbers tied to family members’ birthdays, including his children and former spouse, in hopes of hitting it big.

He purchased the lucky ticket at Park’s Drive-In Liquors, located at 454 East Bay Front Road in Deale. The store will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

While he didn’t reveal specific plans for the money, the winner made it clear that the windfall brings a sense of relief and satisfaction after decades of dedication to the game.

Key Points

  • Anne Arundel County man wins $50,000 Pick 5 prize using ex-wife’s birthday
  • He has played Maryland Lottery games for more than 40 years with only small wins
  • Winning ticket was sold at Park’s Drive-In Liquors in Deale, earning the store a $500 bonus
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News