Germantown woman’s $50K holiday miracle on scratch-off ticket

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GERMANTOWN, Md. — A Germantown woman’s dream of hitting it big on a scratch-off ticket came true just in time for the holidays, as she claimed a $50,000 top prize from the Maryland Lottery’s new Holiday Luck Doubler game.

The Montgomery County player, who chose the nickname “Blessing from Above” for publicity purposes, was shopping at Safeway on Germantown Road when she decided to try her luck on a few scratch-off tickets. After cashing in a $100 Pick 4 prize, she bought two Holiday Luck Doubler tickets, one of which held the game’s top prize.

“I knew right away because I matched one of the winning numbers,” she said, describing the moment she uncovered the $50,000 prize. Overjoyed, she texted a picture of her winning ticket to her best friend, who immediately called her in disbelief. “When I saw that text, I screamed and called her right away,” her friend said.

“Blessing from Above” shared with Lottery officials that the excitement left her shaking so much she couldn’t drive. A medical worker, she plans to use her winnings to help family members, pay bills, and possibly take a trip.

The lucky retailer, Safeway #1579, will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket. The Holiday Luck Doubler, a $5 scratch-off released in October, offers six $50,000 top prizes. With “Blessing from Above” claiming the first, five top prizes remain, along with multiple prizes ranging from $5 to $5,000.