Cross country trucker scores $100K after random Maryland rest stop gamble
North East, MD – A long-haul truck driver passing through Maryland turned a routine rest break into a six-figure payday after buying a scratch-off ticket on a whim at a travel center.
The driver, who is from southern California, stopped at the Pilot Travel Center on Center Drive in Cecil County and decided to try a Maryland Lottery ticket for the first time.
He selected a $25 $1,000,000 Crossword scratch-off game, drawn in by his familiarity with crossword puzzles. After scratching the ticket, he scanned it and confirmed he had won $100,000, one of the game’s second-tier prizes.
The win came during a pause in his cross-country route, with the driver saying he purchased the ticket simply to pass time.
After realizing the prize, he left the location and returned home to share the news with his partner. He later claimed the prize at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore.
The winner said he was focused on keeping the ticket secure until it was officially redeemed.
He indicated the money will go toward a down payment on a home.
The $1,000,000 Crossword game launched in February as Maryland’s first $25 scratch-off, offering multiple top-tier and second-tier prizes. Several $1 million prizes and additional $100,000 prizes remain unclaimed.
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Key Points
- California truck driver wins $100,000 on Maryland scratch-off
- Winning ticket purchased at Pilot Travel Center in North East
- Winner plans to use money toward a home purchase