Wheaton Dad's $50,000 Prize to Pay for Family Vacation

WHEATON, MD — A $50,000 top-prize scratch-off win gave José Gonzalez-Martinez of Montgomery County a heart-stopping moment he won’t soon forget!

While visiting the Silver Spring Gulf gas station, José purchased two $5 Green Doubler scratch-offs because he enjoys their simple play style. The 31-year-old didn’t experience the joy of winning until he returned home and scratched off the instant tickets.

“I almost died,” José said of the moment he realized he’d won $50,000. “My wife almost cried when I told her that we had won.”

The Wheaton resident works at a Montgomery County restaurant. Married for 15 years, the father of two plans to pay off bills with his prize and may take his family on vacation, the Maryland Lottery says.

The lucky player visited the Gulf station located at 8600 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. For selling a top-prize scratch-off in the game, Silver Spring Gulf will receive a $500 bonus from the Lottery.

»Wheaton winner José Gonzalez-Martinez, left, and his friend, Maises Cruz, celebrate his $50,000 top-prize scratch-off win. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Lottery.