A Germantown, Maryland woman hit the $50,000 jackpot in the Maryland Lottery’s Pick 5 game by choosing a number with deep personal meaning — her late husband’s ZIP code.
The retired federal worker purchased a $1 straight bet ticket for the January 8 midday drawing, playing the five-digit number 20871, which was her husband’s postal code in the Clarksburg area.
Emotional Win With Personal Significance
After checking her ticket on her phone at home, the Montgomery County resident realized she had matched all five numbers and won the $50,000 prize. “I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy when I saw that,” she said.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Liberty gas station at 23300 Clarksburg Road in Clarksburg, and the retailer will receive a $500 bonus for selling the top-prize ticket.
Claiming the Prize and Next Steps
On January 9, the winner claimed her prize at Maryland Lottery headquarters. While she hasn’t decided how she’ll use the money, she expressed gratitude and excitement over the unexpected windfall.
