TOWSON, Md. — A man who had lived in Maryland for only 48 hours won $50,000 after buying a Big Money scratch-off ticket on a whim at a Towson mall, the Maryland Lottery announced.
Key Points
- New Maryland resident wins $50,000 on Big Money scratch-off
- Ticket bought at Daily Deals in Towson Town Center
- Winner mistook prize amount for a promotional message
The winner, a former Florida resident now living in Baltimore City, claimed the top prize this week at Maryland Lottery headquarters. He purchased the $5 ticket at Daily Deals inside Towson Town Center on the second day after his move to the state.
Unfamiliar with Maryland Lottery tickets, he scratched the card and saw “$50,000,” but assumed it was an advertisement. When he asked a clerk to scan it, she confirmed the prize was real and reportedly “lost her mind” on the spot.
Scratch-off success surprises Maryland newcomer
The man, who works in the restaurant industry and is an avid golfer, said he plans to put the winnings directly into his bank account.
Daily Deals, the store that sold the winning ticket, will receive a $500 bonus — one percent of the prize — for selling a top-tier winning ticket.
Big Money scratch-off still has five top prizes available
The Big Money ticket was launched on February 10 and this marks the second $50,000 top prize claimed. One previous winner was reported in Upper Marlboro in February, and five top prizes remain unclaimed, along with multiple lower-tier winnings.