UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A Prince George’s County man turned a small run of lottery luck into a $57,777 payday after a $5 scratch-off ticket delivered one of Maryland Lottery’s top prizes. The retired school employee from Upper Marlboro became the second person in two days to claim a top prize from the new Triple Red 7s Tripler game.
His win came just one day after a Laurel woman claimed the game’s first $57,777 top prize, making back-to-back winners from Prince George’s County.
Small Wins Led to Big Surprise
The Upper Marlboro resident told Maryland Lottery officials he purchased three scratch-off tickets during a visit to a grocery store.
His streak began with a $5 ticket that won $20.
The next ticket, a $20 scratch-off, brought another $50 prize.
Feeling fortunate after the first two wins, he decided to try one more ticket.
“I was on a roll and I was trying to keep it going,” the winner told Maryland Lottery officials.
That decision paid off when he scratched a $5 Triple Red 7s Tripler ticket and discovered the word “Autowin” above a prize amount of $57,777.
The winner said he initially struggled to believe what he was seeing.
He described himself as shocked but thrilled after realizing the prize was real.
Plans Include Vacation and Savings
Unlike some lottery winners who immediately discuss major purchases, the retired educator said his first priority is financial responsibility.
“The first thing I am going to do is put it in the bank,” he explained.
He also plans to take what he called a “much-needed” vacation while setting aside a portion of the winnings for savings.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Weis Market located at 750 Prince Frederick Boulevard in Prince Frederick, the county seat of Calvert County.
As the retailer that sold the winning ticket, the grocery store will receive a bonus of $577 from the Maryland Lottery.
Key Points
• An Upper Marlboro man won a $57,777 top prize playing Triple Red 7s Tripler.
• The win came after he first collected $20 and $50 prizes on two other scratch-offs.
• The ticket was purchased at a Weis Market in Prince Frederick.
• The winner plans to save much of the money and take a vacation.
New Game Producing Early Winners
The Triple Red 7s family of scratch-off games debuted on May 15 and has already produced multiple top-prize winners.
According to Maryland Lottery officials, the Upper Marlboro winner became the second player in as many days to claim a $57,777 prize from the Triple Red 7s Tripler game.
Despite the recent payouts, several top prizes remain available.
Lottery officials said six unclaimed $57,777 top prizes are still on the market, along with numerous other prizes ranging from $5 to $5,000.
The game’s quick succession of winners has drawn attention among Maryland scratch-off players, particularly in Prince George’s County, where both of the first two top-prize claims originated.
For the Upper Marlboro resident, however, the memorable moment began with a pair of relatively modest wins and a decision to keep his streak alive with one more $5 ticket.