EASTON, MD—A local Easton woman experienced the thrill of a lifetime when she won $500,000 from a Maryland Lottery scratch-off.
The winner, a devoted fan of crossword-themed games, initially believed she had won $10,000, only to discover she had actually won the top prize of half a million dollars after revealing a “50X” multiplier on her ticket.
The unexpected win occurred when the Eastern Shore resident stopped at J&K Wine and Liquors to purchase her favorite scratch-off games. Opting for the $500,000 Crossword scratch-off and another $20 game, she returned home to play them leisurely. While scratching off the ticket as she watched TV, the big reveal came with a scan of the ticket using her phone, leading to an overwhelming moment of surprise.
“I was so surprised that I dropped my phone,” she remarked, explaining that it took several scans to truly believe her fortune. The win was immediately shared with family, including a cousin who joined her to claim the prize at Lottery headquarters this week.
The lucky winner, who works in the service industry, plans to invest her windfall into a retirement fund, expressing feelings of happiness and blessing.
J&K Wine and Liquors, the retailer that sold the winning ticket, will also receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery. The joyous occasion marks a significant moment not only for the winner but also for the local community in Easton.
