Upper Marlboro Law Enforcement Worker Wins $50,000 on Maryland Lottery Pick 5

A single dollar and a five-digit number she knew by heart turned into $50,000 for an Upper Marlboro law enforcement worker in the Maryland Lottery's Pick 5 evening drawing on March 10.

The Maryland Lottery announced the win on March 12, identifying the winner as a Prince George's County resident who works in law enforcement but declining to name her publicly. She placed a single $1 straight bet, matched all five numbers, and walked away with the top prize.

The winning combination was no random quick pick. She had been playing the five-digit number of a familiar address for years, and the patience finally paid off in the most complete way possible. "I won it boxed, but never like this. I can't believe I won it straight," she told the Maryland Lottery. A straight match, where all five digits land in exact order, pays the full top prize rather than the smaller payout that comes with a boxed win.

She described herself as anything but a habitual player. Unlike lottery regulars who buy tickets daily, she said she picks one up only "from time to time." Her reaction when she checked her ticket reflected just how unexpected the moment felt. "I was stunned and shocked, but I was definitely happy," she said. She plans to use the winnings to pay off bills.

The Soda Pop Shop at 337 Hospital Drive in Glen Burnie earned a piece of the announcement as well. As the retailer where the winning ticket was sold, the Anne Arundel County shop receives a 1% bonus totaling $500 from the Maryland Lottery.

Players still looking to press their luck have a few options in play. The Maryland Lottery's Double Pay on Box Play promotion runs through March 15, offering a double payout on Pick 3, Pick 4, or Pick 5 box plays costing $1 if the ticket displays a "Double Pay on Box Play" message at the top. The next Pick 5 drawing is scheduled for March 19, with an estimated jackpot of $1.7 million.