03-06-2025
‘I never dreamed I'd win the lottery': Silver Spring man secures $1 million lottery win
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. () — Patience, curiosity and an impromptu purchase recently made one Silver Spring man $1 million richer.
Originally from Ethiopia, the 'self-described proud American citizen' was shocked to discover that he had won $1 million from the Maryland Lottery's scratch-off, which he purchased on a whim during a work break.
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, has been playing the lottery since 2017. He became fascinated by the idea of winning money through the lottery, something he had no experience with before coming to the United States, and had friends teach him how to play.
'It was all new to me,' he told officials, while sharing his story at Maryland Lottery headquarters. 'But thankfully I took the time to learn.'
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After scanning the winning $20 ticket, the dumbfounded man rushed back to work, struggling to concentrate as he anxiously anticipated going home to share the good news with his wife, whom he had just closed on a new home with.
'We just looked at each other and smiled. It was a perfectly timed blessing,' the man shared.
'I never dreamed I'd win the lottery,' he said. 'These things don't happen to me. But I'm so thankful.'
The man told Lottery officials that he plans to use the funds to make minor fixes to their new home and will invest the rest.
For selling the winning scratch-off, Hillandale Beer & Wine in Silver Spring will receive a $1,000 bonus.
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