A Calvert County lottery winner claimed a $50,000 prize from the Maryland Lottery’s Cash Blast scratch-off game after purchasing the ticket at a retailer in Upper Marlboro. The northern Calvert County resident, a regular player for over 10 years, visited lottery headquarters in Baltimore on Aug. 5 to collect the win. This Calvert County lottery winner started playing after learning about local successes and has tried games like Pick 3, Pick 4 and scratch-offs.
The Calvert County lottery winner bought the $5 Cash Blast ticket along with a Pick 3 entry at Marlboro Liquors, 5725 Crain Highway. “I like trying the newer games,” he said. “I always feel like new games offer the best shot at winning.”
He scratched the ticket at home and later scanned it at the store to confirm the prize. “As much as I wanted to celebrate and let other people celebrate with me, I was hesitant to share the news. All I could think about was getting to Lottery headquarters and claiming my prize,” he said.
The Calvert County lottery winner plans to save the entire amount for retirement in the next few years. “I’m not planning on spending it,” he said. “This will all go into savings as I plan for retirement in the next few years.”
The Calvert County lottery winner intends to keep playing, with goals for Pick 3 or Pick 4 wins. “I still want to win on Pick 3 or Pick 4 before I think about giving it up,” he said with a smile. “I feel lucky because I was in the right place at the right time.”
Cash Blast launched June 23 with eight $50,000 top prizes. This win is the second claimed, leaving six available. The game includes 12 $5,000 prizes and many ranging from $10 to $1,000. Overall odds are 1 in 3.67, with total prizes exceeding $10 million. Players scratch to reveal 20 Your Numbers and five Winning Numbers; matching wins the prize shown, with Cash Blast symbols multiplying wins up to 10 times.
Marlboro Liquors receives a $500 bonus for the sale. The store has sold other big winners, including a $1 million Mega Millions ticket in January 2023.
This Calvert County lottery winner follows recent Maryland successes. In July, a Bowie woman claimed the first $50,000 Cash Blast prize after buying during lunch in Baltimore. Another Prince George’s County resident won $50,000 on Cash Scratch Fever, a different scratch-off, on Aug. 6. A Columbia man secured $50,000 on Pick 5 after his mother encouraged play.
Maryland Lottery scratch-offs generate significant revenue. In fiscal year 2024, the lottery contributed $1.2 billion to the state, funding education, public health and environment. Since 1973, contributions total $20 billion. Scratch-offs account for about half of sales, with over 50 games active.
Winners over $600 claim at headquarters or district offices; prizes above $5,000 face state and federal taxes. Maryland withholds 8.95% state tax for residents on wins over $5,000. Officials recommend signing tickets and consulting advisors.
The lottery promotes responsible gaming, with resources at mdgamblinghelp.org or 1-800-GAMBLER. Players must be 18 or older.
This Calvert County lottery winner’s experience shows how routine purchases can yield prizes. With six top prizes left, Cash Blast remains available statewide.
