Personal Numbers Give Washington, D.C. Player a $50,017 Win

Claims top prize on Bonus Match 5 ticket in Nov. 2 drawing

After five decades of playing Lottery games, “Bill” of Washington, D.C., got his turn to visit the Winner’s Circle at Lottery headquarters. He won a $50,017 top prize playing Bonus Match 5.

The loyal player has regularly tried his luck with a variety of games over the years, including Pick 3, Keno and Bonus Match 5. He always uses the same set of numbers, following his proven strategy to “stick with what brings you winnings.” His approach paid off with his biggest prize to date when “Bill” matched the winning numbers in the Nov. 2 drawing. He won a $50,000 top prize plus $17 from number matches on other lines on his $6 ticket.

The big win came as a surprise after an ordinary trip to his favorite grocery store, Wegmans in Lanham. While picking up essentials, “Bill” purchased a Bonus Match 5 ticket along with a few other games. He later reviewed his tickets at home and scanned them using the Lottery app on his phone. The anonymous player was floored to see a line of his Bonus Match 5 numbers align with the winning combination.

“I read that screen and lost my breath,” he recalled. “I didn’t know what to do but shout.”

Although thrilled with his win, “Bill” has kept his great news a secret shared only with a few close loved ones. “I feel sharing with too many people will bring bad luck,” he explained with a chuckle.

When asked about his plans for the winnings, “Bill” said he owns several properties and intends to use part of the prize for upgrades. The remaining funds, he says, will be set aside for his retirement. And as for the future? “Bill” has no plans to abandon his longtime Lottery hobby.

“Maybe not as frequently,” he admitted, “but I’ll always play. I’ve always played.”

His recent win has not only brought him joy but also rewarded Wegmans, the Lottery retailer that sold the lucky ticket. The store located at 9001 McHugh Drive in Prince George’s County earns a $500 Lottery bonus for its role in his memorable win. Lottery retailers have sold 31 top-prize winning Bonus Match 5 tickets in 2024.