Say what you want about technology, but a recent Maryland Lottery jackpot winner will be forever thankful for it.
On April 13, a woman identified only by her first name, Brenda, purchased a Fast Play ticket, but she wasn't immediately convinced it was a winner.
Thank goodness she didn't throw the ticket away.
A Surprise That Scanned Its Way to Reality
Curious to learn her fate, she scanned its QR code using a retailer's ticket checker. To her surprise, the screen went blank, only to be replaced by a message inviting her to visit the Lottery headquarters. The screen glitch is what caught her attention.
At that moment, Brenda's ordinary day took a remarkable turn as she realized something was up. She knew that she indeed struck gold, although she was still in the dark about the exact amount.
She checked her ticket again and noticed she had the number 25 in the "Winning Numbers" section. This matched a 25 in the "Your Numbers" section, along with a progressive jackpot symbol. Then, the receptionist figured out the progressive jackpot amount was $134,985.
"I was stunned," she recalled with a laugh. Her initial bewilderment gave way to excitement as she reviewed her ticket and discovered the number 25 under her "Winning Numbers" corresponded with a progressive jackpot symbol in the "Your Numbers" area.
She became the fourth lucky winner of the prize in the $10 Grand Progressive game, which kicked off on April 1, 2024.
How QR Code Scanners Confirm Winning Tickets
QR code technology is a boon for lottery fans like Brenda who want quick confirmation of their potential wins.
These codes are printed on every ticket. When scanned at a lottery retailer, they provide instant feedback on whether or not you’ve hit the jackpot. This convenient tech ensures players don't have to rely solely on visual checks, eliminating human error and adding a layer of excitement to the experience.
Grand Progressive Game a Maryland Lottery Favorite
The $10 Grand Progressive game has created waves for the Maryland Lottery since its launch in April 2024.
Brenda joins fellow winners from La Plata, Odenton, and even a Pennsylvanian who purchased his ticket in Laurel. With 24 progressive jackpot prizes still up for grabs, the excitement isn't dying down anytime soon.
Every time a jackpot is won, the prize pool resets to $100,000 and grows with every ticket sold. There are six $50,000 prizes and 45 $10,000 prizes still out there, awaiting lucky winners.
Brenda's lucky ticket came from a 7-Eleven on Ritchie Highway in Severna Park. The store itself didn’t go unrewarded; it received a $1,000 bonus for selling that jackpot-winning ticket.
Feel the Thrill at Online Casinos
If you enjoy the thrill of riding the fortune rollercoaster with lottery tickets, you might also appreciate legal online casinos.
They're not available yet in Maryland, but lawmakers are working on it. They offer a similar rush with games that range from slots to poker. You can play for real money at legal online casinos, or play just for fun at a social or sweepstakes casino.
They can also deliver the excitement without the financial risk, allowing you to enjoy all the fun of playing without any stress about your wallet. There are even games you can play that will remind you of particular events like Earth Day or The Masters.
And Brenda's story serves as a reminder that if you do buy lottery tickets, don't throw them away until you scan the QR codes first. You might cause a glitch of your own.
