INDIAN HEAD, Md. — A Charles County retiree became Maryland’s latest multi-millionaire after winning a $2,041,396 progressive jackpot on a $30 FAST PLAY Gold Rush Progressive ticket purchased at Mutt’s Liquors, located at 4541 Indian Head Highway in Indian Head. The win, confirmed on July 1, 2025, at Maryland Lottery headquarters, marks a life-changing moment for the Southern Maryland resident and his wife, who plan to buy a house and support family with the prize.
The winner, who purchased the ticket at Mutt’s Liquors, scanned it and saw the “Go to Lottery” message, prompting further investigation. At home, the couple struggled to read some numbers on the ticket and were unsure if they had won the progressive jackpot. Their suspicions were confirmed after reading an online article announcing a $2 million-winning FAST PLAY ticket sold at Mutt’s Liquors, their preferred retailer. “That was the liquor store where I bought the ticket. I knew it had to be it,” the winner said.
The couple scheduled an appointment with the Maryland Lottery on July 1, where officials verified the ticket as the jackpot winner. FAST PLAY games with progressive jackpots, like Gold Rush Progressive, feature prize amounts that increase with each ticket sold until a jackpot is claimed. The current jackpot amount is displayed at the top of each ticket, per Maryland Lottery rules.
Mutt’s Liquors, the Charles County retailer that sold the winning ticket, will receive a $1,000 bonus for the sale. The store, a frequent stop for the winner, played a key role in the life-altering event.
The Maryland Lottery’s FAST PLAY games offer instant-win opportunities, with progressive jackpots adding an extra layer of excitement. Unlike traditional draw games, FAST PLAY tickets provide immediate results upon scanning, appealing to players seeking quick outcomes. The Gold Rush Progressive game, priced at $30 per ticket, is among the higher-stakes options, with jackpots that can grow substantially, as evidenced by this $2,041,396 prize.
The winner’s plans to purchase a home and assist family reflect common uses of lottery winnings, according to Maryland Lottery data, which notes that many winners prioritize financial security and support for loved ones. The couple’s cautious approach—verifying the win through multiple steps—underscores the importance of checking tickets carefully, especially for large prizes.
Charles County has seen several significant lottery wins in recent years, contributing to the region’s reputation as a lucky spot for players. The Maryland Lottery encourages winners to sign their tickets immediately and schedule claim appointments promptly to ensure a smooth process. The confirmation process at Lottery headquarters involves verifying ticket authenticity and compliance with game rules.
Mutt’s Liquors’ bonus highlights the Lottery’s practice of rewarding retailers for selling high-tier winning tickets, incentivizing participation in the program. The $1,000 bonus can support the business, a staple in the Indian Head community.
For more information on FAST PLAY games and current jackpots, visit the Maryland Lottery’s website at https://www.mdlottery.com.
