MIDDLE RIVER, MD—A brother’s Christmas gift brought a change in fortunes for a man from Middle River. The gift was a $5 Cash to Go instant ticket that turned out to be worth a $50,000 top prize.

“It’s a real godsend,” the winner said. He’s had medical difficulties in recent years, resulting in a loss of income and mounting healthcare expenses. The windfall will help pay down those medical bills, he said after claiming his fortuitously timed windfall.

The winner and his late wife played the Lottery for years. He prefers scratch-off games, while she preferred Pick 3 and Pick 4.

Lately, he’s been playing only the occasional $1 or $2 scratch-off as a diversion. When he scratched off the $5 instant ticket his brother gave him, the winner first scratched four of the 15 numbers and, on the fourth one, uncovered the $50,000 prize.

“I had to do a double take,” he said.

The gifted instant ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven store at 11500 Pocomoke Court in Middle River.

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