money big ID 905136 © Eti Swinford | Dreamstime.com

Elkton man wins $250k on scratch-off after buying ticket at local royal farms — money big ID 905136 © Eti Swinford | Dreamstime.com

A longtime lottery player’s routine stop turned into a life-changing moment.

ELKTON, MD – A Cecil County man’s quick stop for lottery tickets ended with a six-figure payout after he uncovered a $250,000 prize inside his car. James Frazer, an Elkton native who has played scratch-offs for about 15 years, said the moment he realized he had won left him shouting in disbelief.

Frazer claimed his prize Monday at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore, days after purchasing two $10 Money scratch-off tickets at the Royal Farms on Augustine Herman Highway. What began as a routine purchase quickly escalated into a rare win that he said he never expected.

Winning moment inside the car

Frazer said the ticket’s design, which resembles a $100 bill, initially caught his attention and led him to buy two tickets. After returning to his car, he scratched both and scanned them using the Maryland Lottery app.

Both tickets were winners, but with vastly different outcomes. One revealed a $50 prize. The second delivered the life-changing result.

“I was screaming in the car! I never thought I would win this much money,” James said.

He said he has only shared the news with a small circle of friends, many of whom also play the lottery. Frazer added that he encouraged them to try the same game, noting that several top prizes remain available.

Plans for the prize and what remains

Frazer said he has not finalized many plans for the $250,000 prize but is considering buying a new truck. He expects to save a significant portion and use some of the money to help family and friends.

“It’s fun, and I’d love to claim another top prize,” he said.

The Royal Farms location that sold the winning ticket will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery.

The Money scratch-off game launched in February and, as of Monday, still had four $250,000 top prizes unclaimed. Officials said three $50,000 prizes, 17 prizes worth $10,000, and thousands of smaller prizes ranging from $10 to $1,000 also remain available.

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