ANNAPOLIS, MD – An Anne Arundel County resident who typically chooses scratch-offs based on their winning odds deviated from her strategy and hit a remarkable $50,000 jackpot on a $1 Million Royale instant ticket.
Known for her selective approach, this lucky individual usually plays scratch-offs with the highest probability of securing a top or second-tier prize. The Annapolis woman admitted that she was skeptical about the odds of winning on the $1 Million Royale game. However, an unexpected visit to the Broadneck Exxon at 317 Busch’s Frontage Road in Annapolis led her to change her mind.
“The clerk said the game was brand new so I knew the odds were high that there were no big winners yet,” she revealed.
Her unconventional tactic of selecting a game with numerous unclaimed top prizes paid off handsomely. She became the first $50,000 winner on this $20 game. Astonishingly, six of the seven top prizes of $1 million still remain unclaimed, and six $50,000 prizes are up for grabs.
After bringing the game home, she used her Maryland Lottery app to scan it and confirm her major win.
“I scanned it three times to make sure I had won,” shared the 63-year-old.
The excitement continued as she called her husband, who was assisting their daughter. Her intention of keeping the win a secret from their children was thwarted when their daughter overheard the conversation.
“We won’t be able to share this one,” the mother chuckled. She added with a smile, “Hopefully, we can add a decimal point to the next win so we can help them out.”
Since its launch on July 17, the $1 Million Royale game has secured the second spot in popularity among scratch-offs. In addition to the $50,000 prize, the game boasts 78 available $10,000 prizes and 103 $5,000 prizes, along with others ranging from $20 to $1,000.