BALTIMORE, MD—A Silver Spring man’s routine work break turned into a life-changing moment when he discovered he won $1 million from a Maryland Lottery Gold Rush 777 scratch-off ticket. The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, visited Maryland Lottery headquarters with his brother to claim his prize and share his story.
Originally from Ethiopia and a proud American citizen, the winner has been playing the lottery since 2017. Unfamiliar with the concept before moving to the U.S., he learned about the games from friends and others, sparking his curiosity.
“It was all new to me,” he said. “But thankfully I took the time to learn.”
His patience paid off when he purchased the $20 instant ticket on a whim from a self-service vending machine at Hillandale Beer & Wine, located at 10117 New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring. After scratching and scanning the ticket, he was stunned to learn of his win. He returned to his office, struggling to focus for the rest of the day, eager to share the news with his wife.
At home, the couple, who recently purchased a new house, celebrated the unexpected windfall. “We just looked at each other and smiled. It was a perfectly timed blessing,” he said.
The winner plans to use part of the prize for minor home upgrades and invest the rest to secure their financial future. “I never dreamed I’d win the lottery,” he said. “These things don’t happen to me. But I’m so thankful.”
The Maryland Lottery continues to generate excitement with its instant ticket games, and this latest win highlights the life-changing possibilities for players across the state.
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