A Charles County retiree is celebrating the surprise of a lifetime after winning a $2,041,396 progressive jackpot on a $30 FAST PLAY Gold Rush Progressive ticket purchased at Mutt’s Liquors in Indian Head, Maryland.
The lucky winner, who chose to remain anonymous, is now one of Maryland’s newest multi-millionaires, thanks to the Maryland Lottery’s growing lineup of FAST PLAY games.
A Surprising Discovery
According to the Maryland Lottery, the Southern Maryland resident picked up the ticket during a routine stop at his favorite liquor store, Mutt’s Liquors, located at 4541 Indian Head Highway. After purchasing the ticket, he scanned it and was met with the familiar yet mysterious message: “Go to Lottery.”
Not knowing exactly what that meant, he took the ticket home and showed it to his wife. The couple attempted to read the numbers and determine their prize, but had difficulty interpreting the results. They knew something was special about the ticket, but weren’t sure just how special.
A News Article Confirms the Suspicion
It wasn’t until they came across an online article reporting that a $2 million-winning FAST PLAY ticket had been sold at Mutt’s Liquors that everything clicked.
“That was the liquor store where I bought the ticket. I knew it had to be it,” the man told Maryland Lottery officials.
Confirmation and Celebration
The couple scheduled an appointment at Maryland Lottery headquarters and visited the office on July 1, where their suspicion was confirmed: They had won the progressive jackpot.
The winning ticket was part of the FAST PLAY Gold Rush Progressive game, which features a continuously growing jackpot. The jackpot increases with each ticket sold until someone hits the big prize. At the time of their purchase, the jackpot had reached over $2 million, making it one of the largest FAST PLAY wins in recent history.
Plans for the Prize
Now officially part of the millionaire’s club, the couple plans to use their windfall to buy a house and support their family. While they’re not planning any lavish splurges, the winner said the prize will provide a sense of security and the opportunity to help others.
“It’s a blessing,” he shared. “We’re just thankful.”
Retailer Rewarded, Too
The good fortune extended to Mutt’s Liquors as well. For selling the jackpot-winning ticket, the Charles County store will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery.
Retailers across the state participate in the FAST PLAY program, which has grown in popularity due to its instant-win format and progressive prize options. Tickets are printed on demand and don’t require scratching or number matching like traditional games, offering a fast-paced and exciting lottery experience.
About FAST PLAY Games
FAST PLAY is a category of Maryland Lottery games that combines the instant win appeal of scratch-offs with the simplicity of draw games. Gold Rush Progressive is one of several FAST PLAY games featuring progressive jackpots, which grow until someone hits the top prize. The current jackpot amount is always displayed at the top of each ticket.
A Winning Moment for Southern Maryland
With this win, the Maryland Lottery continues its streak of creating life-changing moments for residents across the state. As for this Charles County couple, their quiet retirement just became a little more golden.
Anyone interested in playing FAST PLAY games can learn more at the Maryland Lottery’s official website or by visiting participating retailers. As always, players are reminded to play responsibly.
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