Maryland Lottery Big Spin awards $100K and $50K prizes to Baltimore area winners
BALTIMORE, Md. – The Maryland Lottery awarded two major prizes through its Big Spin promotion, including a $100,000 win by a Baltimore resident and a $50,000 prize claimed by a Mount Airy player, marking early high-value payouts from the newly launched scratch-off game.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency confirmed that both winners earned their chance through THE BIG SPIN $5 scratch-off game, which debuted at retailers statewide on March 20. Players who uncover a “SPIN” symbol can qualify for a live spin event at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore, where a game-show-style prize wheel determines winnings.
Baltimore winner lands $100K prize
Tony Lightner of Baltimore was the first of the two winners to spin the six-foot-tall Big Spin Wheel on April 3, accompanied by family members at Lottery headquarters. Lightner, an employee of Johns Hopkins, said the anticipation leading up to the event had been intense.
“I haven’t gotten much sleep this past week,” Lightner told Maryland Lottery officials prior to his spin.
That anxiety quickly turned to relief when the wheel stopped on a $100,000 prize. Lightner said he plans to use the winnings for home improvements, a celebratory seafood dinner, and potentially to support his long-term retirement plans after 24 years of employment.
“It’s a sunny day, even though it’s cloudy outside,” Lightner said.
The winning ticket was purchased at a Sunoco station located at 750 East 25th Street in Baltimore City. The retailer will receive a $1,000 bonus for selling the ticket.
Second winner takes home $50K prize
Later the same day, a Mount Airy man identified only by the nickname “Cowboy” stepped up to spin the wheel alongside his wife. A mechanic and self-described game show fan, he approached the event with enthusiasm and landed on a $50,000 prize.
The couple said they planned to celebrate with a meal and invest part of the winnings into home renovations.
“Cowboy” purchased his ticket at High’s store, located at 11780 Old National Pike in New Market. The Frederick County retailer will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Limited top prizes remain available
THE BIG SPIN game launched with eight top-tier wheel spin prizes ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. As of Monday, six of those spin opportunities remain unclaimed, along with additional instant prizes including two $50,000 awards and thousands of smaller payouts.
The promotion reflects a broader trend among state lotteries to incorporate experiential and second-chance style games to boost player engagement and retail traffic. Events like the Big Spin Wheel create public-facing prize moments while offering larger guaranteed payouts beyond traditional scratch-off structures.
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Key Points
• Baltimore player wins $100,000 and Mount Airy player wins $50,000 on Big Spin Wheel
• Winning tickets came from THE BIG SPIN $5 scratch-off game launched in March
• Six top spin prizes and additional cash prizes remain unclaimed