Longtime player takes home $50,000 won on $5 game
A loyal player from Prince George’s County known as “Snooky” has made history as the first person to claim a top prize in the new Big Money scratch-off game. Released on Feb. 10, the $5 instant ticket quickly proved lucky for “Snooky,” who walked away with a $50,000 win.
The longtime player told Lottery officials that she’s been a Lottery fan for 18 years. Her game of choice is Pick 3 because she’s experienced consistent wins. However, a recent conversation inside Kettering BP in Upper Marlboro led to a change in her routine.
“I was talking to another customer about the Lottery,” “Snooky” recalled. “He told me he’d been having great luck with scratch-offs and hadn’t played anything else since.” Inspired by the advice, the Upper Marlboro resident decided to take a chance and used $10 originally set aside for other games to buy two scratch-offs — one being the Big Money instant ticket.
The other scratch-off was a non-winner, but when “Snooky” scratched off the Big Money instant ticket, she noticed matching numbers. Initially, she believed she won $500. However, upon closer inspection, she realized the true prize: $50,000!
“I screamed so loud and ran out of the store. I was so excited!” she said, still expressing disbelief over her win.
“Snooky” immediately called her husband to share the good news but has otherwise kept the win private. When asked about her plans for the prize, she shared that she will use it to pay bills, take a well-deserved vacation with her husband and boost her savings account.
As for her future Lottery plans? “I definitely plan to keep playing,” the lucky lady said with a smile. “I might just stick with scratch-offs from now on. I can’t believe I paid $5 and actually won! I hope to do it again.”
The Big Money game went on sale with seven $50,000 top prizes; six remain along with other prizes ranging from $5 to $5,000.
For selling a $50,000 top-prize winning scratch-off, Kettering BP located at 10604 Campus Way South in Upper Marlboro will receive a $500 Lottery bonus. The bonus is equal to 1% of the prize.
