ABERDEEN, Md. — A casual lottery tradition turned life-changing for an Aberdeen couple, who claimed a $1 million top prize on the Maryland Lottery’s $20 Gold Rush 777 scratch-off game.
The couple, who have been playing lottery games together for more than 30 years, purchased the winning ticket at a Wawa on North Philadelphia Boulevard. The husband scratched off the ticket and saw a match on number 18, revealing the seven-figure prize. Using the Maryland Lottery app to confirm the win, the couple was still in disbelief.
“He said, ‘Mama, it’s a million-dollar winner.’ I didn’t believe it,” the wife recalled. She double-checked using her phone and saw the same message but admitted the reality of the win didn’t fully sink in.
The pair plans to use their newfound wealth to pay off debts, help family members, and purchase a new home, possibly in Western Maryland or Pennsylvania. Before leaving the Lottery office, the husband asked his wife if she believed it yet. She responded with a shrug, “I guess so.”
The Wawa store that sold the winning ticket will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery.