Decades-long lottery player in D.C. scores $50K with his lucky numbers

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Washington, D.C. man known as “Bill” claimed a $50,017 prize after his personal set of numbers hit big in the Maryland Lottery’s Bonus Match 5 drawing on November 2, marking his largest win after decades of playing.

The longtime lottery player matched the winning numbers on his $6 ticket, scoring the $50,000 top prize along with an extra $17 from smaller wins on additional lines. Bill, a loyal player of games like Pick 3, Keno, and Bonus Match 5, attributes his success to his strategy of sticking with the same numbers every time he plays.

“I read that screen and lost my breath,” Bill said, recalling the moment he saw his numbers align after scanning his ticket at home. “I didn’t know what to do but shout.”

Bill purchased the winning ticket at Wegmans, located at 9001 McHugh Drive in Lanham, Prince George’s County, during a routine grocery run. The store will receive a $500 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the winning ticket, one of 31 top-prize Bonus Match 5 tickets sold in 2024.

While Bill has shared his excitement with only a few close friends and family, he plans to use the prize money to upgrade his properties and add to his retirement savings. Despite his big win, Bill says he won’t give up his lottery hobby entirely. “Maybe not as frequently,” he said, “but I’ll always play. I’ve always played.”