National

Man wins big prize in ‘most complex’ Maryland lottery game. ‘Beginner’s luck’

A Maryland man won a big prize in one of the hardest lottery games in the state during his first time playing it, according to lottery officials.
A Maryland man won a big prize in one of the hardest lottery games in the state during his first time playing it, according to lottery officials. Getty Images/iStockphoto

A Maryland man won a big prize during his first time playing what lottery officials described as the “most complex game.”

The Prince George’s County man won a top prize of $61,155.30 on July 3 in the Racetrax game — a game that doesn’t see a lot of first-time winners due to how intricate it is, Maryland Lottery officials said in a July 17 news release.

“That was beginner’s luck,” the man told lottery officials when he claimed his prize.

When he told his wife about his win, she didn’t believe him and even dismissed it, he told the lottery. Then, he showed her the winning ticket and she gave him a “big old hug,” he said, according to the lottery.

The couple told lottery officials they may use their winnings on a play set for their grandchildren.

He bought the winning ticket at a 7-Eleven in Bowie, about a 20-mile drive northeast from Washington, D.C.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Read Next
Read Next
Read Next

This story was originally published July 17, 2025 at 5:04 PM with the headline "Man wins big prize in ‘most complex’ Maryland lottery game. ‘Beginner’s luck’."

Natalie Demaree
mcclatchy-newsroom
Natalie Demaree is a service journalism reporter covering Mississippi for McClatchy Media. She holds a master’s in journalism from Columbia Journalism School and a bachelor’s in journalism and political science with a specialization in African and African American Studies from the University of Arkansas. 
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER