Maryland Man Strikes Gold with $5 Million Lottery Win
In a stroke of luck, Troy Deneau from the Eastern Shore of Maryland has become the second winner of the $5 million prize from the 50 Years scratch-off game, celebrating the Maryland Lottery’s 50th anniversary. The news was announced by the Maryland Lottery, leaving Deneau and his wife Rachel overjoyed with their newfound fortune.
Deneau, who is the proud owner of a fire-protection company operating along the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware, has been playing the 50 Years instant game since its launch in February 2023. Over the past few months, he had won smaller prizes of $100, $200, and $10,000 on different 50 Years instant tickets. However, it was on February 1st that his life changed forever.
On that fateful day, Deneau purchased three 50 Years instant tickets from the Dash In in Worcester County. The first ticket brought him a modest win of $75, while the second one turned out to be a dud. But it was the third ticket that held the key to his life-altering win. As he scratched away the surface, he couldn’t believe his eyes when he revealed the game’s top prize of $5 million.
“I am now set for retirement,” Deneau exclaimed with a big smile as he claimed his prize at Maryland Lottery headquarters on February 5th. However, despite his newfound wealth, Deneau has decided to continue working at his fire-protection company. “At first, I said ‘I’m done,’ but we have been too dedicated to this company for 30 years to walk away,” he explained.
The 50 Years scratch-off game was released by the Maryland Lottery on February 20, 2023, as part of their 50th anniversary celebration. The game offered three $5 million top prizes, and Deneau became the second lucky winner to claim the grand prize. The first winner was from New Carrollton.
“Our 50th anniversary is a great time to look back at where we’ve been, but we’re also looking forward,” said John Martin, Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director, in a press release. The game not only commemorates the agency’s milestone but also provides players with the chance to win life-changing prizes.
For those wondering about their odds of winning the 50 Years scratch-off game, the probability of winning any prize is 1 in 2.44. Apart from the three $5 million top prizes, there is also an unclaimed $100,000 prize, two $50,000 prizes, and 18 $10,000 prizes up for grabs. Additionally, there are several smaller prizes ranging from $50 to $1,000.
If you’re feeling lucky and want to try your hand at winning big, lottery tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets. Alternatively, you can order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. They offer their services in various U.S. states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.
With his incredible win, Troy Deneau has secured his financial future. However, he remains dedicated to his fire-protection company and plans to continue working. As for the Maryland Lottery, they continue to bring excitement and life-changing opportunities to players across the state with their range of scratch-off games. So who knows? The next big winner could be just a scratch away.