SALISBURY, MD. – A Salisbury man decided to try a different Maryland Lottery game after researching the odds, and his first-ever Pick 5 ticket delivered a $50,000 prize.
The Eastern Shore resident bought the winning ticket July 22 at the 7-Eleven at 31997 Beaver Run Drive in Salisbury. Instead of immediately checking it, he set the ticket aside for about two weeks before eventually taking it to a retailer to scan.
The result was a $50,000 surprise. “That’s cool,” the winner recalled calmly telling himself after discovering what his first attempt at Pick 5 had produced.
Key Points
- A Salisbury man won $50,000 with the first Pick 5 ticket he ever purchased.
- He waited about two weeks before checking the July 22 ticket.
- The winner plans to put the money toward retirement, while the Salisbury 7-Eleven receives a $500 bonus.
Switch From Mega Millions Pays Off With $50K
The winner told Maryland Lottery officials that his usual strategy is to buy Mega Millions tickets when the jackpot climbs above $100 million.
This time, after researching the odds, he decided to change games and give Pick 5 a shot. He also used a different set of numbers from his usual combination.
That first Pick 5 purchase turned out to be worth $50,000.
The winner did not learn about his good fortune immediately. He left the ticket unchecked for roughly two weeks before scanning it at a retailer and discovering the five-figure prize.
Salisbury Homebuilder Plans to Save Winnings
The man claimed his $50,000 prize Aug. 27 at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore, where he shared the story behind his win.
Lottery officials described him as a homebuilder with about 30 years in the trade. He plans to save the winnings for his retirement account rather than splurge on a major purchase.
Outside of building houses, the Salisbury resident enjoys working on hot rod cars, according to the Lottery.
The 7-Eleven at 31997 Beaver Run Drive also benefits from the winning ticket. The retailer will receive a $500 bonus for selling it.
Where was the $50,000 Pick 5 ticket sold?
The winning ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven at 31997 Beaver Run Drive in Salisbury, Maryland.
Was this really the winner’s first Pick 5 ticket?
Yes. According to the Maryland Lottery, the Salisbury man won $50,000 on his first attempt at playing Pick 5 after researching the game’s odds.
What will the Salisbury winner do with the $50,000?
The longtime homebuilder told lottery officials he plans to put the money toward his retirement account.
Sources: Maryland Lottery winner story, Sept. 1, 2026.
