LANDOVER, Md. — A Prince George’s County man struck it big in the December 2 Powerball drawing, winning $50,000 after swapping quick-pick numbers for a set based on family birthdates.
The Lanham resident, a social worker, said he immediately recognized the winning numbers when checking the results online. “It was such a shock. I called my wife to tell her. She had to sit down to keep from falling,” he shared with Lottery officials.
The winning ticket was purchased at Landover Hills Exxon on Annapolis Road during a routine fuel stop. The player admitted he hadn’t yet bought his ticket for the drawing and was relieved he remembered while at the gas station.
The winner plans to use his prize to pay down his mortgage, calling the win “a happy thing” for his family. The Landover Exxon, where the ticket was purchased, could be a lucky spot for future players.