A Charles County retiree who goes by the nickname “Mr. Fat Pockets” walked into Maryland Lottery headquarters last Tuesday and walked out $110,000 richer after taking a turn on THE BIG SPIN prize wheel. The lucky $5 scratch-off was bought at Waldorf Liquors and later qualified him for a spin at Lottery headquarters in Baltimore. He and his wife said they plan to use part of the prize to wipe out some bills and put the rest toward shoring up their financial future.
According to the Maryland Lottery, the retiree, a former D.C.-area worker, first uncovered a “SPIN” symbol on his ticket and was told by the retailer to contact the Lottery to confirm what he had won. Lottery officials said he was one of eight players who earned a chance to spin the game’s 74.5-inch wheel, and his spin stopped on the $110,000 wedge.
As reported by DC News Now, the couple described themselves as “settled,” with his hobbies centered on fishing across Maryland and hers on bingo. She recalled spotting his good fortune first and telling him, “You got something.” The outlet also noted that the ticket was purchased last Tuesday at Waldorf Liquors, and that the retailer will collect a $1,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
How The Big Spin Works
THE BIG SPIN is a $5 scratch-off that launched March 20 and features an illuminated prize wheel at Lottery headquarters. Players who reveal a “SPIN” symbol can scan their ticket at a retail counter or with the My Lottery Rewards app to see if they have won an instant cash prize or a chance at the wheel, where top prizes range from $50,000 to $250,000, according to the Maryland Lottery.
Retailer Bonus And Remaining Top Prizes
The retailer that sold the winning ticket will receive a $1,000 bonus, and local reporting notes that several wheel spins and at least one $50,000 instant top prize have yet to be claimed, per DC News Now. The couple said they intend to use the newfound cash to clear debt, strengthen their savings and otherwise stay under the radar.
