Gas station scratcher powers $50k business boost
Stack of bank packages of hundred dollars, fifty dollars and twenty dollar bills. Paper money, pile of 100, 50 and 20 US dollars banknotes, isometric view. Vector illustration on white background

Gas station scratcher powers $50K business boost

by
June 18, 2025
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LAUREL, Md. — A routine walk turned into a life-changing moment for Ramiro Polanco Mendez of Howard County, who won $50,000 on a Mega Bucks scratch-off ticket and now plans to open his own business.

Earlier this month, Mendez stopped at the Exxon station located at 801 Washington Boulevard in Laurel during one of his regular walks. He purchased two $10 Mega Bucks tickets. The first ticket was a loss, but the second revealed the surprise of a lifetime.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” Mendez said. “I had to scan it to be sure.” The scanner confirmed a $50,000 win — not the $100,000 top prize, but enough to set his future in motion.

After a few more games, Mendez returned home and shared the news with family. He claimed his prize on Tuesday, June 17, and said he will use the money to invest in a small business.

More big wins still available in Mega Bucks game

The $10 Mega Bucks scratch-off launched in November. According to Maryland Lottery officials, six of the nine $100,000 top prizes remain unclaimed. Four of the $50,000 second-tier prizes, 15 $10,000 prizes, and thousands of smaller wins are still available.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

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