WESTMINSTER, MD— Brian Murray of Westminster is planning a dream vacation to Puerto Rico with his girlfriend, all thanks to a $50,000 win on a Gold Rush 7s Tripler scratch-off from the Maryland Lottery.
On Wednesday, Brian, a devoted fan of thrash metal, made his way to Lottery headquarters in Baltimore proudly wearing a Slayer T-shirt, a nod to his favorite band. “I wore my favorite band shirt to claim,” he said after officially securing his prize. “This is the coolest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Brian, who typically spends $20 to $40 on scratch-offs every other week, stumbled upon his big win during a routine stop at his local Walmart. While there to pick up coffee sweetener for his girlfriend, he decided to cash in two $10 winning scratch-offs. With the credit, he purchased four $5 Gold Rush 7s Tripler tickets, one of which held the $50,000 top prize.
“I couldn’t believe it!” Brian exclaimed, still in shock from his windfall.
With his winnings, Brian is prioritizing a trip to Puerto Rico, a destination he’s excited to share with his girlfriend, whom he calls “the most awesome person in the world.”
A passionate angler originally from the Gulf Coast, Brian also plans to use some of his prize money for an “epic fishing trip,” possibly to pursue red drum in the Chesapeake Bay or ocean waters. Additionally, he intends to pay off his car loan with the remaining funds.
The Walmart located at 280 Woodward Road in Carroll County, where Brian purchased the winning ticket, will also benefit from his good fortune. The store will receive a $500 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the top-prize winning scratch-off.
