Woman made this one big change in her lottery playing and immediately won $50,000
A woman from Montgomery County has hit the jackpot, winning a huge $50,000 in the Bonus Match 5 lottery.
And the Maryland winner did it by changing her playing strategy.
This time, instead of picking her usual numbers, she decided to try her luck with a quick-pick ticket – a ticket where the store terminal chooses the numbers for you.
And guess what? That ticket won her the top prize.
She bought the lucky ticket at Fenton Citgo in Silver Spring on February 13.
She loves playing Maryland Lottery’s game, especially Racetrax and Bonus Match 5, but never expected to win big.
When she found out she won, she couldn't believe it.
"I was numb," she said, overjoyed with her win. "I finally got some money!"
She was excited to share the good news with her husband, who has been by her side for 35 years.
Top of her list is paying off some bills and giving a bit to charity. She wants to make sure the money goes to good use.
The store that sold her the winning ticket, Fenton Citgo, is also getting a little something.
The lottery store at 8333 Fenton Street in Montgomery County will get a $500 bonus for selling the top-prize ticket.
So far this year, there have been seven big winners like her in Maryland's Bonus Match 5 game.
ABOUT: Bonus Match 5
Bonus Match 5 drawings are held each evening, seven (7) days a week You can play the same numbers for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 drawings in a row, include future drawings by marking the appropriate “NUMBER OF DRAWS” box or selecting the number of draws at the self-service terminal.
Two years ago the Maryland Lottery made a significant change in how its drawings were conducted. The traditional method of using "bingo balls" for lottery drawings was replaced by a computerized system.
The lottery began employing a Random Number Generator (RNG) for the Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Bonus Match 5, and Multi-Match drawings.
The new upgrade was used in a safe room with two officials watching to make sure it was fair. Cameras were put in the room for security so the number draw machines were kept safe there.