A Calvert County woman’s heartfelt tribute to her late father turned into a $50,000 windfall when she played his death date in a Maryland Lottery Pick 5 drawing. The retired federal employee, a longtime lottery enthusiast, matched all five numbers in the July 25 evening drawing, securing the top prize on a $1 straight bet ticket. Her win, claimed on July 29 at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore, marks another chapter in her history of lottery success.
“I got that bad boy straight!” she exclaimed, recalling the moment she realized her ticket was a perfect match. Initially, she thought she had won a smaller prize on a boxed bet, where numbers can match in any order. Checking her ticket again, she discovered the numbers aligned exactly as played, earning her the full $50,000 Maryland Lottery prize.
The winner, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared that she plays the Maryland Lottery daily but typically buys tickets only on Sundays. For this winning ticket, she chose numbers tied to her father’s death date, a choice she believes brought her luck. “My dad sent me some good luck. Thank you, dad,” she said during her visit to claim the prize. Her emotional connection to the numbers made the win especially meaningful, blending personal significance with financial reward.
This is not the first time the Calvert County resident has struck it big with the Maryland Lottery. In 2023, she won $62,000 playing Racetrax, a virtual horse racing game offered by the lottery. She also claimed a notable prize in 2015, though she didn’t specify the amount, from the same game. Her consistent play and knack for picking winning numbers have made her a familiar face among Southern Maryland lottery players.
The winning ticket was purchased at Dash-In, a convenience store located at 875 North Solomon’s Island Road in Prince Frederick. For selling the $50,000 ticket, the retailer received a $500 bonus from the Maryland Lottery, equivalent to 1% of the prize value. This bonus recognizes the store’s role in the community and its contribution to the lottery’s operations, which fund education and other state programs.
With her latest Maryland Lottery prize, the winner plans to stabilize her finances and surprise her husband with a new truck. The win adds to the region’s history of lottery success, with Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties often celebrating local winners.
The Maryland Lottery, established in 1973, continues to captivate players across the state with games like Pick 5, which offers a top prize of $50,000 for matching five numbers in exact order. Drawings occur twice daily, giving players frequent chances to win. For this Calvert County woman, the game’s simplicity and her personal connection to the numbers turned a routine bet into a life-changing moment. As she prepares to enjoy her prize, she remains grateful to her father, whose memory guided her to victory.
