Wins $25,000 prize with free ticket
The “gut feeling” that convinced a 23-year-old Rockville resident to visit a 7-Eleven last week led to the largest Lottery win of his life. His $25,000 prize didn’t come from the tickets he purchased, however, but from a free Pick 5 ticket that he never expected to come his way.
“I play the Lottery every once in a while,” the university student explained to Lottery officials on Tuesday. “When I woke up that morning, I had no plan to (buy Lottery games), but later in the day something told me to buy some tickets.”
Whatever compelled him to buy tickets wasn’t specific about the game, so the Montgomery County man picked out three from a range of game types.
“I got a scratch-off, a Powerball and Keno.” Along with his selection, the winner left 7-Eleven #23693 in Rockville with a free Pick 5 ticket awarded as part of a Try Pick 5 promotion. Through June 5, players who purchase any Lottery game other than scratch-offs could receive a randomly awarded free 50-cent straight Pick 5 ticket. “That extra ticket got me thinking that maybe it was my winner,” he said, “that it was supposed to happen.”
The ticket with the numbers 6, 5, 2, 4 and 5 was for the May 25 midday drawing.
The following Saturday, May 28, the college student checked his tickets – including the free Pick 5 one – using the Lottery’s website. “I was shocked when I saw that I had won,” he reported, adding, “$25,000 is a lot of money for a college student. It’s a lot of money for anyone!”
The student plans to put his prize toward tuition, bills and investments.
Lucky 7-Eleven #23693 at 15821 Frederick Road will receive a $250 bonus from the Lottery for its role in awarding this big winning ticket.
