EDGEWOOD, MD — A Harford County man’s casual decision to purchase a Pick 5 ticket while watching football turned into a $50,000 win.
The Edgewood resident, who rarely plays Pick 5, felt a sudden urge to try his luck after seeing a Lottery commercial during a Sunday football game. Acting on impulse, he headed to Geresbeck’s Bi-Rite in Baltimore, where he sought advice from another player before purchasing a single $1 straight Pick 5 ticket for the August 25 midday drawing.
Later that day, the man was stunned when his friend sent him the winning numbers, and they matched his ticket exactly. Initially doubting his eyes, he returned to the store to confirm his win.
“I thought it was fake,” the winner said, recounting the moment he realized he had won. After confirming the win, he shared the news with his mother, who was equally surprised.
The winner, who claimed his prize at Lottery headquarters, plans to save his $50,000 windfall. Meanwhile, Geresbeck’s Bi-Rite, located at 2109 Eastern Boulevard in Baltimore, will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.