An elementary school teacher from St. Mary’s County claimed a $459,932 progressive jackpot prize November 18 after purchasing a FAST PLAY Fat Wallet ticket at a convenience store in Great Mills.
The winner, who remains anonymous per Maryland Lottery practices, bought the $10 ticket while stopping to fuel his vehicle ahead of a trip. He purchased two tickets at the Sheetz located at 20760 Old Great Mills Road. When scanning them at the store, the first registered as non-winning, but the second displayed a “Go to Lottery” message, prompting him to examine it closely.
“I was getting ready for a trip to gas up my car. I decided to go inside and take a chance on a ticket,” the winner said November 18 at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore.
He discovered one of his numbers matched the progressive jackpot indicator. “I knew something was up when the second ticket wouldn’t process,” he added.
The teacher described needing time to process the life-changing amount, his largest lottery prize to date, and has not yet decided on plans for the winnings.
Sheetz received a $1,000 retailer bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the jackpot ticket, a standard incentive for prizes of $100,000 or more in FAST PLAY games.
The Fat Wallet game, a $10 FAST PLAY title launched in July 2024, features a progressive jackpot that increases incrementally with each ticket sold statewide until hit. Tickets print on demand at lottery terminals or vending machines, delivering instant results without waiting for a draw. This particular win captured the final progressive jackpot in the game, effectively closing it out as no additional top prizes remain available.
Maryland Lottery rules require prizes over $25,000 to be claimed at headquarters in Baltimore’s Montgomery Park Business Center, typically by appointment. Winners must present the signed ticket and valid identification. For amounts like this jackpot, taxes apply—with federal withholding at 24 percent for U.S. citizens and additional state taxes—though the full pre-tax amount is announced publicly.
The lottery directs a portion of proceeds to the state’s general fund, supporting education, public health, and other programs. Since 1973, it has generated billions for Maryland, with FAST PLAY contributing to recent sales growth through its fast-paced format appealing to players seeking immediate outcomes.
This Great Mills sale occurred November 14, aligning with a week of notable Maryland prizes, though the Fat Wallet jackpot stood as one of the largest instant wins reported.
Players can check progressive estimates and game details on the official Maryland Lottery site, where Fat Wallet now reflects closed status for its top tier.
