PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A Calvert County man preparing for retirement in 2025 hit the jackpot with a $500,000 win on a Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket, turning his final working months into an even brighter countdown.
The Southern Maryland resident, a regular Lottery player who enjoys bingo- and crossword-themed scratch-offs, initially thought he had won $50,000 while playing the Bonus Bingo X20 game. But with encouragement from his son, he scratched off the multiplier section of the $20 ticket and discovered a 10X multiplier, boosting his prize to a stunning $500,000.
The winner said the timing of the win was ideal, as he plans to move from Southern Maryland to Virginia’s Blue Ridge region after retiring. He credited the Maryland Lottery website, which tracks prizes remaining on scratch-offs, for helping him choose the game with the last unclaimed $500,000 top prize.
The winning ticket was purchased at Ken-Mar Liquors, located at 1525 Solomons Island Road South in Prince Frederick. The retailer will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the top-prize winning ticket.
With his prize claimed, the winner plans to add the windfall to his retirement savings, easing his transition from work life to the next chapter.