Columbia Store Sells $1 Million Scratch-Off

COLUMBIA, MD — Two friends in Columbia recently won $1 million from a scratch-off that they purchased together, according to the Maryland Lottery.

The friends were in Pars Market in the 9400 block of Snowden River Parkway in Columbia when one went to purchase a $20 ticket but realized he only had $10; so his friend put down the other half, lottery officials said.

"I was in shock when I saw $1 million," the player, who is a landscaper, said upon scratching off the Platinum Play ticket in the store. "I knew I had to share this with my friend for giving me the other $10 needed to buy the ticket," he said of his friend, who works in retail and he described as like his brother.

The players — 30 and 33 years old — are both single and told lottery officials they planned to invest their winnings, as well as travel and use the funds for leisure.

After taxes and splitting the $1 million, each went home with more than $200,000, officials said.

For selling the winning ticket, Pars Market will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery.

Photo courtesy of the Maryland Lottery.