A Maryland Lottery player in St. Mary’s County claimed the first Multi-Match jackpot of 2026, worth an estimated $1.7 million, after a winning ticket was sold at a local retailer for the March 19 drawing.
The jackpot-winning ticket matched all six numbers—3, 14, 15, 19, 27, and 38—drawn on Thursday, March 19, 2026. It was purchased at Abell’s Tavern, located at 20281 Piney Point Road in Callaway, Maryland. As the retailer that sold the winning ticket, Abell’s Tavern receives a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery.
This marks the initial Multi-Match top-prize win for the year in Maryland. The jackpot had rolled over from previous drawings, reaching $1.7 million by the March 19 draw. Detailed results confirm one jackpot winner, with the cash option estimated at $950,000 before taxes.
The winner has the choice between the full $1.7 million annuity, distributed in 25 equal annual payments, or the lump-sum cash value of approximately $950,000 (prior to federal and state tax withholdings). Lottery officials advise the winner to immediately sign the back of the ticket and store it securely, as it serves as proof of ownership.
The claimant has 182 days from the drawing date—until mid-September 2026—to redeem the prize. Prizes exceeding $25,000 must be claimed at Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore, located at the Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 330. In-person claims require a scheduled appointment through the official appointment page; walk-ins are not permitted. Mail-in options are also available. Full claiming instructions appear on the Lottery’s How to Claim page.
Multi-Match, a twice-weekly game (Mondays and Thursdays), costs $2 per play and offers multiple ways to win beyond the jackpot. Players select six numbers from 1 to 43 or opt for Quick Pick, generating three lines of six numbers each for 18 total combinations. Matching all six on one line wins the jackpot, which starts at $500,000 and increases with rollovers. Smaller prizes range from $2 for matching three numbers on a line up to additional bonuses for multi-line matches.
This win brings excitement to Southern Maryland, where lottery prizes occasionally provide significant financial boosts to local residents and retailers in counties like St. Mary’s. The area’s convenience stores and taverns, such as Abell’s Tavern in the Callaway community near Piney Point, serve as key outlets for players.
No information on the winner’s identity has been released, as Maryland Lottery winners can remain anonymous if they choose. Officials remind all players to verify tickets promptly and follow official channels for claims to avoid issues.