A Prince Frederick resident and elementary school teacher won a $50,000 top prize on a Jurassic Park scratch-off ticket this week after purchasing it during a routine grocery trip at the Giant store located at 655 Solomon’s Island Road North in Calvert County. The win occurred when the woman decided to buy several scratch-off tickets from the store’s Lottery vending machine while checking out her groceries.
The winner chose to scan the prize check code rather than scratch the entire ticket. After scanning each game individually, a message appeared on the machine directing her to see the cashier. The cashier confirmed the ticket was a $50,000 winner. “I almost had a heart attack; my heart went straight to my feet,” the woman said. She then rushed outside to inform her brother, who was waiting in the car.
“She came holding the ticket in her hand and said she won $50,000,” her brother recalled. “She made me go back in the store with her to scan it some more times.” After the initial excitement, the teacher returned home, secured the ticket in a safe location, and later arranged to claim the prize on Jan. 12 in Baltimore.
The winner stated she intends to use the winnings to remodel her home and pay down debt. The Giant store in Prince Frederick will receive a $500 bonus commission for selling the winning ticket.
The $5 Jurassic Park scratch-off game, licensed from Scientific Games, LLC, still features two remaining $50,000 top prizes, three $5,000 prizes, and additional prizes ranging from $5 to $1,000.
The incident highlights how an ordinary shopping errand in Calvert County resulted in a significant financial windfall for the local resident. The woman described her reaction as one of complete surprise, noting “I’m still in shock” after the win. Her cautious approach of scanning rather than fully scratching the ticket allowed her to quickly identify the prize without unnecessary delay.
Prize claims for amounts of $50,000 in Maryland typically require in-person processing at Lottery headquarters or designated claim centers, which aligns with the winner’s trip to Baltimore on Jan. 12. The structured claim process helps ensure proper documentation and payment.
The Giant store’s involvement demonstrates the role local retailers play in Maryland Lottery sales, with the $500 bonus serving as an incentive for businesses that sell high-value winning tickets. Calvert County residents participate regularly in Lottery games, and this win adds to the area’s record of prize recipients.
The Jurassic Park scratch-off remains active with substantial prizes still available, offering continued opportunities for players across the state. The game’s theme draws from the well-known franchise, contributing to its appeal among Lottery customers.
This win serves as a reminder of the potential outcomes associated with instant ticket purchases at approved Maryland Lottery retailers. The woman’s decision to buy tickets during a routine grocery visit ultimately led to the life-changing prize.