Straight Flush Gives Glen Burnie Mom $100K Top Prize

GLEN BURNIE, MD — Kathy Jacobs of Glen Burnie learned the fine art of playing poker as a child, betting with pennies and practicing with her dad. Decades later, the mother of four is still winning at poker but now she wins playing poker-themed scratch-offs sold by the Maryland Lottery.

In fact, Kathy’s latest attempt to win with the $10 Poker Showdown game delivered a $100,000 top prize. The loyal player, shocked by what she thought she saw on the instant ticket, took it to her dad and to her husband to confirm that her straight flush was real and beat the “dealer’s” four kings.

“I’ve won $100 a few times on this ticket,” she said. “I said, ‘I swear I think I won.’”

She was correct. The happy 46-year-old frequently plays scratch-offs, packaged Keno-to-Go and Keno, but had never before won a prize with so many zeros. She found the lucky instant ticket at her local Lottery retailer, Slide In Mart in Glen Burnie, which had just stocked its displays with the Poker Showdown game.

“I was on my way to work and I stopped to turn in some bingo scratch-offs,” she said. “I had won $55.”

The pharmacy technician was running late so she got her cash and hurried back to her car, only to remember she needed a soda. Back in the store, she grabbed the soda and then spotted the newly stocked Poker Showdown game. She bought one ticket and hurried to work her Saturday shift. The grandmother of three then enjoyed the weekend and didn’t scratch her instant ticket until 6 p.m. Monday.

One of her children, Michael, accompanied his mom to claim the prize at Lottery headquarters. He was all smiles because part of Kathy’s windfall will be used to purchase Michael’s first car. She also plans to pay bills, Kathy said, and “keep playing!”

Her lucky retailer, located at 7925 Crain Highway South in Glen Burnie, will be happy to see her. The Lottery is giving Slide In Mart a $1,000 bonus for selling a top-prize scratch-off of $100,000.

»Kathy Jacobs of Glen Burnie and her son, Michael, celebrate her $100,000 scratch-off win. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Lottery