Grandmother thought she'd won $30 until one extra zero changed everything — Batches with dollars. Heaps of paper money packs. Million jackpot winning in lottery, symbol of riches and luxury. American (USA) dollar currency. Finances and banking concept. 3d rendered raster.

Upper Marlboro player nearly missed a $30K top prize hiding in plain sight

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — An Upper Marlboro grandmother who believed she had won just $30 on a Maryland Lottery ticket got the surprise of a lifetime when a closer look revealed a $30,000 top prize.

The Prince George’s County resident, a grandmother of 10 and retired school system employee, claimed the prize June 3 at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore.

The lucky winner purchased the ticket during a visit to a 7-Eleven on Watkins Park Drive in Upper Marlboro.

According to Maryland Lottery officials, she originally planned to buy a $10 scratch-off ticket. When none were available, she opted to purchase three $3 tickets instead.

The first two tickets were not winners, but when she scanned the third using the Maryland Lottery app, she initially thought she had won $30.

Then something caught her attention.

“That has too many zeros,” she recalled thinking.

Still uncertain, she asked a store clerk to scan the ticket. The result confirmed she was holding a $30,000 top-prize winner.

The winner said she plans to use the money to pay off debts and purchase new bedroom furniture.

The 7-Eleven that sold the winning ticket will receive a $300 bonus from the Maryland Lottery.

Key Points

An Upper Marlboro grandmother claimed a $30,000 top-prize lottery win.
She initially believed the ticket was worth only $30 until noticing an extra zero.
The winner plans to use the money to pay off debts and buy new furniture.

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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