A retired police officer from Washington, DC, felt he was seeing things when a Maryland Lottery scanner displayed what appeared to be an endless stream of zeros—only to discover that he had just won $1 million.
On June 2, the lucky player won the top prize in the Maryland Lottery’s $1,000,000 Crossword scratch-off game after purchasing the ticket at Chillum Wine & Spirits, 5813 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville.
The winner said he was inside the store scanning the ticket when the result appeared on the screen.
Without his spectacles, he strained to read the figure.
The zeros attracted his attention immediately.
The former cop stated that he observed three zeros, then three more, and instantly recognized something was off.
Wanting confirmation, he asked a friend who was nearby to take a look.
The acquaintance quickly realized the significance of the prize money and confirmed that the ticket was worth $1 million.
According to lottery authorities, the player has had success in the past, usually winning prizes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, but has never won the grand prize.
This time, his luck delivered the game’s highest payout.
The lotto winner told officials that he intends to use the money to pay off his home and vehicle before aiding his daughter and grandchildren.
The winning ticket was sold at Chillum Wine & Spirits in Prince George’s County. The retailer will receive a $1,000 bonus for selling the top-prize ticket.
The $25 $1,000,000 Crossword scratch-off debuted in February with four top prizes of $1 million each.
According to lottery authorities, this is the second $1 million top prize claimed in the game, with two more available.
The game also started with 10 second-tier prizes worth $100,000 each. Eight of those prizes remain available, along with thousands of other prizes ranging from $25 to $20,000.
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