Lucky freebie turns into life changing Maryland lottery score
DUNKIRK, MD — A Calvert County woman who received a free Maryland Lottery ticket during a night out with her husband ended up winning a $50K jackpot she never expected to play.
The winning Bonus Match 5 ticket was obtained May 5 during a visit to Anthony’s Bar and Grill in Dunkirk.
The woman and her husband were playing several Maryland Lottery games, including Keno, Racetrax, scratch-offs and FAST PLAY tickets, while enjoying food and drinks at the restaurant.
As part of a Maryland Lottery promotion running through May 24, players who purchase a $5 Lightning Cash FAST PLAY ticket automatically receive a free $2 Bonus Match 5 ticket.
The winner said she did not realize the promotion was taking place and was surprised when handed the free ticket.
After the May 6 Bonus Match 5 drawing, the federal government employee scanned the ticket using the Maryland Lottery app and received a message instructing her to visit lottery headquarters.
“It didn’t say how much and I didn’t want to get too excited,” the winner told lottery officials.
She later searched the winning numbers online and discovered the free ticket was worth $50,000.
“It’s pretty amazing that I won that much money from a free ticket,” she said.
Her husband accompanied her to Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore to officially claim the prize Thursday.
The couple said they plan to place the winnings in savings and may purchase new appliances.
Anthony’s Bar and Grill located at 10371 Southern Maryland Boulevard in Dunkirk will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
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Key Points
• Calvert County woman wins $50K from free Bonus Match 5 ticket
• Winning ticket received during Maryland Lottery promotion in Dunkirk
• Anthony’s Bar and Grill earns $500 bonus for selling winning ticket