ROSEDALE, MD—After more than a decade on the chase for a top Maryland Lottery prize, an anonymous Maryland resident known as “Valentina” has claimed victory. She won a $50,000 top prize on the “$” scratch-off.

For “Valentina,” who visited Maryland Lottery headquarters to share the story of her experience and claim her prize, the win was more than just luck – it was a long-awaited “full circle moment.”

The Baltimore woman’s winning journey began with a family joke over 10 years ago. During one holiday season, her father gifted her a fake “winning” lottery ticket and recorded her jubilant reaction. Although the ticket was a prank, the moment left a lasting impact.

“I remember being so excited to win because I knew how rare it was,” “Valentina” recalled. The brief thrill of that fake win, followed by the disappointment of it not being real, planted the seed that ultimately led her to chase a top prize.

On the day of her big win, “Valentina” was drawn to the “$” scratch-off displayed in the store window of Tobacco Stop #14, located at 1727 Chesaco Avenue in Rosedale. Its design and colors caught her eye, prompting her to pick one up along with her regular game purchase. Later that night, she scratched off her instant tickets, not expecting much. Then, she saw the number “20” matched a winning number and revealed the $50,000 prize.

“I remember running around the house screaming at the top of my lungs!” she said. “Valentina” quickly scanned the prize check area on her instant ticket using the Maryland Lottery app on her phone and was stunned to see her win confirmed. Despite her excitement, she has decided to keep her news a secret and reveal it at the family’s next holiday gathering.

When asked about her plans for the winnings, “Valentina” said she intends to pay bills and save most of the funds, leaving a little aside for future Lottery play. “I’m definitely going to test my luck again,” she said, laughing.

Photo via Pexels