$50K Winning Lotto Ticket Surprises Air Force Veteran

CATONSVILLE, MD — A 71-year-old Baltimore County resident has latched onto lucky No. 9 now that he won a $50,000 top prize playing the "find the 9s" scratch-off ticket.

The retired cybersecurity professional and Air Force veteran from Catonsville, who calls himself "The Loadmaster," was sitting on his deck when he scratched the ticket and found a $5,000 prize followed by nine more $5,000 prizes.

He's now the second Maryland Lottery player to win $50,000 with the "find the 9s" scratch-off ticket.

“I asked them (the clerk) ‘Is this thing real?’” he told the Maryland Lottery.

The store clerk affirmed the win and “The Loadmaster” called a good friend to share the news. He shared that the $50,000 prize will help him pay off bills and add to his savings.

He bought the lucky instant ticket at the Soda Pop Shop at 1026 Ingleside Avenue in Catonsville. For its role in the win, the store earned a $500 retailer bonus from the lottery.