The Calvert County commuter, set to retire in early 2025, snagged the life-changing win on a $20 Bonus Bingo X20 scratch-off, Maryland Lottery officials announced.
“It couldn’t happen at a better time,” the winner said after claiming his prize at Lottery headquarters on Monday, Dec. 16.
A regular scratch-off player who enjoys bingo and crossword-themed games, the lucky retiree picked up the ticket at Ken-Mar Liquors in Prince Frederick.
After matching the caller’s numbers in his truck, he thought he’d hit a solid $50,000. Excited, he called his son to share the news.
But the son, a fellow Lottery fan, knew better. “Did you scratch the multiplier?” he asked.
The winner hadn’t—but when he did, he revealed the 10X multiplier, boosting his prize to a mind-blowing $500,000.
The timing couldn’t be sweeter for the future retiree, who plans to swap his DC commute and Southern Maryland home for a quieter life in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.
“It could happen to anyone on any day,” he said.
Ken-Mar Liquors at 1525 Solomons Island Road South will receive a $1,000 bonus for selling the big-winning ticket.
Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Prince Frederick and receive free news updates.