ABERDEEN, Md. — Lloyd Harless, an 81-year-old veteran from Aberdeen, created quite a buzz at a local gas station after winning $50,000 on a Maryland Lottery Gold Bar Bingo scratch-off. The excitement began when the store clerk, upon scanning Harless’ ticket, began jumping with joy as the win registered, leaving Harless momentarily unsure of what was happening.
“It took a while for me to find out that I won,” said Harless, who served in the U.S. Air Force and now plays various Maryland Lottery games in his spare time.
Harless, who purchased the $5 ticket at the Aberdeen Shell on Middleton Road, is still deciding how he will spend his prize money but hinted at using it to fulfill a travel wish. While in the Air Force, Harless visited several foreign countries and now hopes to see more of the world.
“My bucket list has gotten so big that I had to dump it out and start all over again,” Harless joked.
The Aberdeen Shell store where the winning ticket was purchased will receive a $500 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the top-prize winning scratch-off. The Gold Bar Bingo 5th Edition went on sale in July, with eight $50,000 top prizes available. Harless is the second winner of the top prize, and six still remain, along with eight $10,000 prizes and smaller amounts.