Harford County woman wins $287,056 lottery jackpot after mistaking prize message for error

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BEL AIR, Md. — A Harford County woman thought she encountered an error when she scanned her FAST PLAY Wild Bonus X10 ticket and saw the message “Go to Lottery.” To her astonishment, the message meant she had hit the progressive jackpot, walking away with $287,056.

“I didn’t understand it. What does that mean?” the Bel Air resident recalled. Confused, she asked her daughter to double-check the $10 ticket. Upon comparing the “Winning Numbers” to “Your Numbers,” the answer was clear: the first number in the game’s first row matched, unlocking the jackpot. Displayed beneath the words “Current Progressive Jackpot” on the ticket was the impressive six-figure prize.

“There was a smile on my face,” the winner said, reflecting on her good fortune. She plans to use the winnings to pay off bills and invest the remainder.

The occasional lottery player shared that she doesn’t adhere to any specific strategies or superstitions, opting instead to play whenever the moment feels right. “Sometimes I like to try my luck,” she explained.

Her winning ticket was purchased at BJ’s Wholesale Club at 413 Constant Friendship Boulevard in Abingdon. The store will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.