A lucky punter has scooped USD 50,000 on the lottery after deciding to buy a few scratchcards while having lunch.
Self-employed Warren Leonard, 56, from Washington, D.C, USA, said he often crosses the state line to play his numbers and buy his favourite instant tickets at Maryland State.
Now, Warren’s most recent trip into the neighbouring state has earned him USD 50,000 (GBP 40,772), after he stopped at a convenience store while going out for lunch.
The lucky grandfather said in a statement obtained by Newsflash from Maryland Lottery “When I scanned the tickets, one of them said to see the retailer.
“So, I gave it to the cashier and she said, ‘‘Congratulations, you won USD 50,000 [GBP 40,772].'”
Unsure about the win and keeping it a secret, Warren immediately left the store and went home.
Then, unable to stop thinking about it, he went to a local 7-Eleven for a second opinion.
He was over the moon when the monitor read “USD 50,000 winner” after scanning the USD 5 [GBP 4] Deluxe Crossword ticket.
Warren said: “I was convinced. And I finally shared the good news with my wife and kids.”
When collecting the prize at lottery headquarters, the winner said he plans to use it to pay the bills.
He also plans to spend some of his winnings on his family for the coming Christmas holidays.
Lottery representatives said: “Warren’s good fortune was found at the Old Silver Hill Convenience store located at 6106 Old Silver Hill Road in District Heights.
“For selling a USD 50,000 [GBP 40,772] top-prize winning scratch-off, the Prince George’s County retailer earns a USD 500 [GBP 407] bonus from the Lottery.
“Our lucky player nabbed the second USD 50,000 [GBP 40,772] top prize on this edition of the Deluxe Crossword scratch-off, which went on sale in September.
“Many prizes are still available, including six more top prizes, 11 USD 10,000 [GBP 8,152] prizes, and others ranging from USD 5 [GBP 4] to USD 1,000 [GBP 815].”
