PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – A Southern Maryland man’s retirement plans received an unexpected $500,000 boost after winning big on a Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket.
The Calvert County resident, a regular player of bingo- and crossword-themed instant games, purchased the winning Bonus Bingo X20 ticket at Ken-Mar Liquors on Solomons Island Road South. Initially, he believed he had won $50,000 while scratching off the ticket in his truck.
Excited, he called his adult son to share the news. His son, also a Lottery fan, reminded him to check the multiplier feature. Upon scratching it, the player discovered a 10X multiplier, turning his $50,000 win into a $500,000 top prize.
“It couldn’t happen at a better time,” the winner said, adding that the prize will help smooth his transition into retirement, which is already planned for the first half of 2025.
The winner, who plans to relocate from Southern Maryland to Virginia’s Blue Ridge region, called the windfall a perfect addition to his savings.
Ken-Mar Liquors, the retailer where the ticket was purchased, will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the top-prize winning ticket.