SILVER SPRING, MD — A Silver Spring resident won a $1 million top prize on a Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket purchased from a local convenience store, officials confirmed Wednesday.
The man, a U.S. citizen originally from Ethiopia, bought the winning “$20 Gold Rush 777” ticket at Hillandale Beer & Wine on New Hampshire Avenue. After scratching the ticket and scanning it, he saw the $1 million prize and waited until the end of the workday to share the news with his wife.
The winner opted to remain anonymous when claiming the prize. He told the Maryland Lottery that he began playing after moving to the U.S. in 2017, learning about the games from family and friends.
The timing of the win coincides with the couple’s recent home purchase. They plan to use part of the prize for home updates and the rest as financial security for the future.
The man claimed the prize at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore, accompanied by his brother. The retailer will receive a $1,000 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket.
One top prize still unclaimed in Gold Rush 777 game
The “Gold Rush 777” game launched in May and originally offered four $1 million top prizes. With this win, only one top prize remains unclaimed. The game also has two $50,000 second-tier prizes and 42 of 91 $10,000 prizes still available, according to the Maryland Lottery.
Players have until December 29 to claim any winnings from the game. The odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.04.
