Aug. 20 (UPI) — A Maryland man said the split-second decision to buy the last scratch-off lottery ticket in a roll paid off when he scored a $100,000 jackpot.
The 70-year-old Silver Spring man told Maryland Lottery officials that he normally buys only one ticket at a time in the evening, and he decided upon a $10 scratch-off when he visited Wheaton Winery in Silver Spring.
“I was in the mood for a $10 scratch ticket so I picked $1,000 Loaded,” the man said.
The player said a snap decision led to his breaking with routine and buying more than one ticket.
“When the clerk handed me my ticket, I saw that there was only one left. Something told me to buy that last ticket,” he said.
That “something” turned out to be a lucky impulse, as the second ticket turned out to be a $100,000 winner.
“I was amazed, just about the happiest I’ve ever been,” the winner recalled. “But I had to wait until my family arrived before I could really celebrate. We’re a pretty low-key group, but, boy, was that a fun night.”
The winner said he plans to use his windfall to pay off his mortgage and share with his family.
“I’m very happy to be in a position now to help the people I love,” he said.