$30,000 Winning Scratch-off Sold at Maryland Sheetz

A Frederick County man is $30,000 richer after receiving a winning scratch-off lottery ticket as a Christmas gift. Full story below courtesy the Maryland Lottery:

“It’s a tradition with his best friend, a Frederick County man told Lottery officials on Tuesday when asked how a Peppermint Payout Multiplier ticket worth $30,000 found its way to him. “We’ve been buying each other scratch-off tickets as Christmas gifts for years. We always get a winner or two, but nothing like this.”

The long-time friends and long-time Lottery fans each pick out a handful of instant tickets as stocking stuffers for the other. “We both love to play, so it’s become a fun part of the holiday.” The pair, both residents of Thurmont, meet on Christmas Eve to scratch their tickets. “And we always include some of the holiday games.”

The Frederick County man tells us that he was skeptical when he uncovered the five numbers that suggested that he’d won the game’s top prize. “I figured that I’d done something wrong. There was no way I could believe that I was holding $30,000 in my hands.” A second look and an examination by his friend seemed to confirm the win, but it was the Lottery app his friend used that erased all doubt. We started yelling and didn’t stop for quite a while.”

The Thurmont man plans to use his winnings to eliminate debt that’s been worrying him for years. “It’ll be great not having it hanging over my head anymore.” The lucky Lottery retailer in Thurmont that sold the top-prize winning ticket, Sheetz #200 at 428 N. Church Street, will share in the holiday happiness. They will receive a $300 bonus for its role in the happy story.”