MECHANICSVILLE, Md. — A St. Mary’s County man won $150,000 on a Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket purchased on April 1, 2025, claiming the prize on April 28. The More Money game’s first top prize turned an ordinary April Fool’s Day into a life-changing moment for the winner, who described the experience as a “blessing.”
The winner, a loyal Maryland Lottery player since its inception, purchased the $10 More Money scratch-off at DJ’s One Stop, located at 28035 Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville. The ticket’s bold colors and large size caught his attention, prompting him to try his luck. Initially, he struggled to read the fine print and believed he had won $150. When he asked the retailer to scan the ticket, the reaction was immediate.
“The retailer started screaming and congratulating me,” he recalled. “His face went blank. I didn’t know if I was in trouble or if I should be celebrating. The way he reacted even made me think it was a prank!” The retailer confirmed the $150,000 win, dispelling any doubts.
The winner has shared the news only with his daughter and granddaughter, keeping the celebration private. He plans to purchase a new car and save the remaining funds, noting, “You never know what the future holds.” Before leaving Maryland Lottery headquarters, he jokingly told officials to remember his face, saying, “You’ll see it again,” confident in his future luck.
DJ’s One Stop, the retailer that sold the winning ticket, will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery. The More Money scratch-off, launched on March 24, 2025, offered its first $150,000 top prize to this winner. Four additional top prizes remain, along with thousands of smaller prizes ranging from $10 to $10,000.
The Maryland Lottery, established in 1973, has distributed millions in prizes while funding state programs. Scratch-off games like More Money are among its most popular offerings, with oversized tickets designed to attract players. This win marks a significant moment for the St. Mary’s County resident, who has played consistently over the years but never experienced a prize of this magnitude.
The timing of the win on April Fool’s Day added an ironic twist, as the holiday is typically associated with pranks. For this winner, however, the day brought a genuine windfall. His decision to try the More Money ticket, driven by its visual appeal, underscores the role of chance in lottery games. The retailer’s enthusiastic response further amplified the moment, turning a routine purchase into a memorable event.
As the first top-prize winner of the More Money game, the St. Mary’s County man’s story may inspire other players. With four $150,000 prizes still unclaimed, the game continues to draw attention. The Maryland Lottery encourages responsible play, reminding participants that odds vary by game. For this winner, the combination of persistence and a spontaneous choice led to a transformative outcome.
