WALDORF, Md. — A St. Mary’s County postal worker struck gold with his first-ever lottery ticket, claiming a $50,000 top prize in the Maryland Lottery’s Big Money scratch-off game. The federal employee, who purchased the ticket at a Shoppers grocery store in Waldorf, said the win might also mark his last lottery play, citing the improbability of repeating such luck.
The winner, a Southern Maryland resident, was shopping with his mother at the Shoppers located at 1170 Smallwood Drive when she encouraged him to try the lottery. “My Mom plays the Lottery, so when we walked past the vending machine she suggested that I finally try one,” he told lottery officials. Following her advice, he selected a $5 Big Money scratch-off, a game introduced in early February.
Back in the car, his mother guided him through the process of scratching the ticket. When he revealed a match worth $50,000, the novice player was overwhelmed. “I can only describe it as an intense rush,” he said, recalling the moment of realization.
The Big Money game has now seen three of its top $50,000 prizes claimed, with four remaining in circulation. Additionally, ten $5,000 second-tier prizes are still unclaimed. The Shoppers store that sold the winning ticket received a $500 bonus from the lottery for its role in the sale.
This win adds to Maryland’s history of significant lottery payouts. The Maryland Lottery, established in 1973, has awarded billions in prizes while contributing to state programs, including education and public health. Scratch-off games like Big Money are among the most popular, offering instant wins and a range of prize tiers.
The St. Mary’s County resident, who visited lottery headquarters to claim his prize, initially suggested he might retire from lottery play. “What are the chances that I’ll ever do this well again,” he joked. However, as he left, he hinted at a possible return. “Maybe I’ll try a Mega Millions or Powerball ticket. Maybe the luck will still be with me.”
The win highlights the unpredictable nature of lottery games, where even first-time players can hit significant jackpots. For now, the postal worker’s $50,000 prize stands as a testament to beginner’s luck, celebrated by both the winner and the Waldorf retailer that facilitated his fortune.
