Big Lottery Win Takes Edge Off First Winter Cold Snap

SEVERN, MD - As the temperature outside turned cold on Nov. 13, things heated up for a Maryland Lottery scratch-off player from Severn. The 62-year-old, whose game of choice is Hot Riches, put down his $5 at the Cigar and Smoke Shop in Arundel Mills Mall, scratched his instant ticket and hit a big prize, according to a news release.

Stopping by Maryland Lottery headquarters in Baltimore the following day to claim his $50,000 prize, the “Hot Times” player told officials he hadn’t made plans for his winnings, but his wife had some thoughts.

“A nice dinner and drink,” she told Maryland Lottery officials, “We’ll put the rest away for hard times.”

According to a news release, their granddaughter’s birthday was on the day the couple claimed their prize and they let her pick out a computer accessory gift.

The “Hot Times” player prefers the $5 Hot Riches game, although in warmer months he also tries his luck with the $5 Home Run Riches game. His wife had not yet joined him in his scratch-off fun. “But I’m going to start,” she said.

Cigar and Smoke Shop at 7000 Arundel Mills Boulevard in Hanover earns a $500 bonus for selling a top-prize scratch-off in the game.

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