BALTIMORE, MD—A random number selection turned a Windsor Mill man into a millionaire. For as long as he can remember, this loyal player has filled out Mega Millions tickets using the same set of randomly selected numbers. The retiree has won small prizes in the past but the July 18 drawing gave him a $1 million windfall and lots of reasons to celebrate.

The 68-year-old bought his ticket at National Pike BP located at 5931 Baltimore National Pike in Catonsville. He stopped there for gas and also bought several lottery tickets. A few days later, the Baltimore County resident took a stack of old tickets to another gas station that sells Maryland Lottery games. He wanted to fuel up his vehicle and check his tickets for winners. Little did he know he would be quite fueled by the news he was about to receive. After scanning several non-winning tickets, his very last Mega Millions ticket from the recent drawing carried the $1 million second-tier prize.

“I kept staring at the ticket because I just couldn’t believe it,” the winner said.

Once he noticed people behind him, the Mega Millions fan put his lucky ticket back in his pocket and left the store. He then called his daughter to share the great news but she thought he was joking until they arrived at Maryland Lottery headquarters to claim the prize.

The happy winner retired a few years ago from his job as a bus driver. He has no immediate plans for his winnings except to put the prize into his savings.