A Calvert County woman turned a casual night out with her husband into a $50,000 lottery win thanks to a special promotion at Anthony’s Bar and Grill in Dunkirk.
On May 5, the federal government employee purchased a $5 FAST PLAY ticket at the popular Southern Maryland Boulevard restaurant. As part of a promotion running through May 24, she received a free $2 Bonus Match 5 ticket. She set the Bonus Match 5 ticket aside and continued enjoying the evening with Keno, Racetrax, scratch-offs and other games.
The next day, May 6, she checked the Bonus Match 5 results using the Maryland Lottery app on her phone. The message confirmed she was a winner and needed to visit Lottery headquarters. “It didn’t say how much and I didn’t want to get too excited,” she said. After Googling the winning numbers, she discovered the $50,000 prize.
“It’s pretty amazing that I won that much money from a free ticket,” she smiled. She and her husband claimed the prize in Baltimore on May 7. “We are cautiously optimistic,” her husband said. “It will feel real when the check comes.”
The couple plans to deposit the winnings in the bank and may purchase some new appliances. The woman, who described herself as a loyal Lottery player, said she sticks mainly to Pick 5 but was happy to try the promotional Bonus Match 5 ticket.
Anthony’s Bar and Grill at 10371 Southern Maryland Boulevard in Dunkirk receives a $500 retailer bonus for selling the winning ticket. The restaurant is a popular gathering spot for local residents in northern Calvert County, known for its food, drinks and community atmosphere.
The promotion offered a free $2 Bonus Match 5 ticket with every $5 Lightning Cash FAST PLAY game purchased. Bonus Match 5 is one of Maryland’s draw games, with drawings held daily. A straight bet matching all five numbers pays $50,000 on a $1 wager.
The Maryland Lottery has awarded more than $35.5 billion in prizes since its inception in 1973 and contributed more than $20.7 billion to state programs, including education, public safety, health, human resources and the environment. Local wins like this one often provide unexpected financial relief for families in Calvert County.
The Lottery encourages responsible play and offers resources for those who may need help with gambling-related issues.
