National

‘Car buff’ uses license plate numbers on lottery ticket — then came a ‘joyful scream’

A Maryland man took home a big lottery prize — just in time for his summer retirement.
A Maryland man took home a big lottery prize — just in time for his summer retirement. Getty Images/iStockphoto

A Maryland man took home a big lottery prize — just in time for his summer retirement.

The Carroll County father, a “car buff,” uses license plate numbers from his three vehicles on Pick 5 tickets, Maryland Lottery officials said in a May 29 news release.

A week ago, he used the numbers from his Tesla plate to place a $1 bet for the midday and evening drawings, officials said.

The man checked his ticket shortly after the midday drawing and “let out a joyful scream.”

He won $50,000, according to officials.

“The happy player shared the news with his wife and son,” lottery officials said.

The man told lottery officials he plans to spend his winnings on bills.

The winner is scheduled to retire in July and told lottery officials “he plans to continue his hobbies of home and garden projects.”

Carroll County is about a 40-mile drive northwest from Baltimore.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

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This story was originally published May 29, 2024 at 3:38 PM with the headline "‘Car buff’ uses license plate numbers on lottery ticket — then came a ‘joyful scream’."

Daniella Segura
McClatchy DC
Daniella Segura is a national real-time reporter with McClatchy. Previously, she’s worked as a multimedia journalist for weekly and daily newspapers in the Los Angeles area. Her work has been recognized by the California News Publishers Association. She is also an alumnus of the University of Southern California and UC Berkeley.
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