Grocery stop leads to $30k scratch-off surprise in maryland
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Grocery stop leads to $30K scratch-off surprise in Maryland

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November 17, 2025
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Giant customer walks away with $30K Candy Cane Cash prize

ODENTON, MD – A quick trip to the grocery store turned into a $30,000 payday for a Maryland man who picked up a holiday-themed scratch-off ticket on a whim while buying lottery jackpot game tickets.

The winner, who is using the nickname “Big Holiday Winner,” claimed the top prize on the $3 Candy Cane Cash scratch-off game after purchasing the ticket at the Giant Food store at 1155 Annapolis Road in Odenton. The ticket was part of a spontaneous purchase as he grabbed Powerball and Mega Millions tickets during a shopping run.

He used an extra $3 to add the scratch-off to his order — a move that instantly put him among the game’s biggest winners. After scratching the ticket, he scanned the barcode and saw the $30,000 prize appear. He double-checked the ticket before approaching the cashier, who confirmed the win.

The winner said he later shared the news with his wife, who initially didn’t believe the claim. The retired military member, who is in the process of relocating to Pennsylvania, said he will deposit the money into savings for future use.

Giant will receive a $300 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the top-tier prize-winning ticket.

Candy Cane Cash launched in October and offers six $30,000 top prizes. With this latest claim, three of those prizes remain available, along with hundreds of thousands of smaller prizes ranging from $3 to $500.

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Key Points

  • Maryland man wins $30,000 on Candy Cane Cash ticket bought at Giant in Odenton
  • Winner bought the ticket on impulse while purchasing other lottery tickets
  • Three top prizes still remain on the holiday-themed scratch-off game
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