Spur-of-the-moment decision paid off for a Baltimore County waitress with a $50K scratch-off win

BALTIMORE, MD — A Baltimore County waitress struck it big with a $50,000 top prize on the Maryland Lottery’s Deluxe Crossword scratch-off after a spur-of-the-moment ticket purchase.

The lucky win came when a family member, heading to buy lottery tickets earlier in the week, reminded her of her occasional love for scratch-offs. She handed him $5 and told him to pick any game, a decision that led to her life-changing jackpot.

“When I scratched the ticket that night, I was amazed. Totally in shock,” she said after realizing she’d won the top prize. Elated, she rushed to share the news with her family, who initially thought something was wrong until they saw the ticket. “We all went a little bit crazy,” she recalled.

The winning ticket was purchased at Carroll Fuel gas station on 900 Taylor Avenue in Baltimore, which earned a $500 bonus for selling the top-prize-winning ticket. Released in September, the ninth edition of the Deluxe Crossword game still has six $50,000 prizes and 13 $10,000 prizes remaining.

Local News Report

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