News writer, Interviewer
The Maryland Lottery is showering Marylanders with luck! This week alone, prizes totaling nearly $35 million were claimed across various games.
Let's dive into the recent big wins and some interesting tidbits about the Maryland Lottery's history.
Recent big winners
- Eastern Shore millionaire made: Congratulations to a player on the lucky Eastern Shore who pocketed $1 million from a scratch-off ticket purchased in Salisbury.
- Unclaimed prizes up for grabs: Don't let your potential windfall slip away! Two $100,000 winning Powerball tickets from Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village are still unclaimed.
- Scratch-off bonanza: Scratch-off games proved lucky for several players this week. A Columbia resident won a whopping $100,000, while another player from Lanham walked away with $50,000.
- Draw game delights: The week also saw happy winners from Pick 5, Keno, Racetrax, and Bonus Match 5. Some prizes of $25,000 and $50,000 from these draw games remain unclaimed. Be sure to check your tickets!
A look back: Maryland Lottery's history
The Maryland Lottery has been creating millionaires and bringing joy to residents for almost 50 years. Here's a trip down memory lane with some interesting facts:
- From referendum to reality: In 1973, Maryland voters approved a referendum to establish a state-run lottery. The very first ticket was purchased on a momentous day – May 15th of that year.
- Birth of scratch-offs: Fast forward to 1976, and scratch-off tickets, now the lottery's most popular game, were first introduced. The very first instant game was called "Instant Lottery" and offered a top prize that could change lives – $10,000.
- Pick 3 joins the fun: Another popular game, Pick 3, was added to the roster in 1976, giving players more opportunities to try their luck.
- Keno makes its Maryland debut: Keno, initially played only at select retailers, became available to Maryland Lottery fans statewide in 1993.
- Over $31.5 billion awarded: Since its inception, the Maryland Lottery has awarded a staggering $31.5 billion in prizes to lucky winners! That's a massive amount of money that has undoubtedly changed countless lives in Maryland.
Good causes in Maryland
Beyond creating millionaires, the Maryland Lottery plays a significant role in supporting good causes throughout the state. Its core mission is to generate revenue to support education, public health, public safety, and the environment. Since its inception in 1973, the agency has contributed more than $18.6 billion in revenue to the State.
Claiming a prize
Don't let your potential windfall slip away! Here's a quick guide on claiming your prize depending on the amount:
- $600 or less: Any Maryland Lottery retailer can redeem your ticket for you.
- Up to $5,000: Head to an Expanded Cashing Authority Program (XCAP) location to claim your prize.
- Over $25,000: Schedule an appointment to claim your prize at the Maryland Lottery Claims Center in Baltimore.
Check your tickets regularly, and who knows, you might be Maryland's next big winner!
