EASTON, MD— An Eastern Shore woman is celebrating an unexpected $500,000 win after playing the 2nd edition of the $500,000 Crossword scratch-off game. A longtime fan of crossword-themed lottery games, the Easton resident initially believed she had won a smaller prize, only to be shocked by the actual amount.
The surprising win happened about three weeks ago when the lucky player visited J&K Wine and Liquors in Easton specifically to purchase her favorite scratch-offs. She bought one $20 $500,000 Crossword ticket and one $20 Win $100, $200, or $500 ticket, both games she regularly enjoys. Preferring to play at home, she waited until she could relax in front of the TV to scratch off her tickets.
“I like that you have to use your brain to play the crossword games,” she shared with Lottery officials.
As she scratched off the $500,000 Crossword ticket, the woman noticed she was uncovering enough words to win a $10,000 prize. But the real surprise came when she revealed a “50X” multiplier symbol in the third puzzle’s multiplier box. Unsure of the exact prize, she scanned the ticket on her phone and was stunned to see a $500,000 prize staring back at her.
“I was so surprised that I dropped my phone,” she said, recalling the moment. “I had to scan that ticket about five more times before it sank in.”
The winner, who works in the service industry, shared the exciting news with a few close family members, including her cousin, who joined her to claim the prize at Lottery headquarters this week. “I just hollered when she told me,” her cousin recounted.
To keep her winning ticket safe, the cautious player sealed it in a plastic bag and stored it in a safe until she was ready to claim her prize. Grateful for her windfall, she plans to invest her winnings into a retirement fund.
The retailer, J&K Wine and Liquors located at 2 East Avenue in Easton, will also benefit from the win. The store will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the top-prize winning ticket.
