$50K Winning Lotto Ticket Stuns Taxi Cab Driver From Prince George's County

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A taxi cab driver from Prince George's County who hasn't been able to hit the road lately decided to take a chance with a Bonus Match 5 lottery ticket, which paid off in the end.

“I already bought a ticket for every drawing,” the loyal player explained to Maryland Lottery officials. Bonus Match 5 drawings take place seven days a week. “I decided to double up until I was back behind the wheel.”

Instead of spending $3 a day, he ponied up $6. That $6 Bonus Match 5 purchase bought nine lines of numbers and it was one of those extra lines, he said, that delivered his $50,000 top-prize win on Aug. 28. Another line added $15 to his score. He scanned the ticket the next morning, and to his great surprise, saw an unexpected message.

“I’m used to seeing ‘Not a winner,’ $15 and $30 wins, and once even $600. ‘Go to lottery’ was a new one for me.” His surprise led immediately to excitement when the winner realized what the message likely meant.

“My heart started beating so fast that I clutched my chest, just like on TV,” he said, joking. “Right away, I sent my thanks upstairs where it belongs.”

The winning ticket was bought at the West Laurel Exxon at 15151 Sweitzer Lane, which will receive a $500 bonus from the lottery for selling a top-prize winning Bonus Match 5 ticket.