Retired Maryland player trusted his instincts
DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. — A retired Prince George’s County man followed what he described as a gut feeling while buying Lottery tickets and walked away with a $100,000 top prize after scratching a ticket that “called out” to him.
The Maryland Lottery said the District Heights resident stopped at a Wawa in Capitol Heights a few weeks ago to buy his usual scratch-offs. Although Bingo games are normally his favorite, he decided to add a Scratch & Match ticket after feeling drawn to the game.
When he got home, the ticket quickly stood out.
The player said he first uncovered a “Stack of Cash” symbol, which automatically awards a prize. Moments later, he revealed a second “Stack of Cash” symbol.
“I was shocked when I saw the first $50,000 prize and blown away when I saw the other $50,000,” the winner told Lottery officials.
His wife walked into the room just as he finished scratching the ticket.
“I had to look twice,” she said. “I thought it was a lesser prize at first, but it really was two $50,000 prizes.”
Wanting to be certain, the winner took the ticket to his regular Lottery retailer, where the prize was confirmed before he claimed it at Maryland Lottery headquarters.
The retired player said he plans to use the winnings to pay off bills and help family members.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Wawa located at 1401 Hampton Park Blvd. in Capitol Heights. The retailer will receive a $1,000 bonus for selling the top-prize ticket.
Scratch & Match launched in March with nine $100,000 top prizes. Following this claim, three top prizes remain, along with several other prizes ranging from $10 to $50,000.
Key Points
- A District Heights retiree won a $100,000 top prize playing Scratch & Match.
- The winner said he bought the ticket after a gut feeling convinced him to try the game.
- The winning ticket was sold at a Wawa in Capitol Heights.
