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

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News