Man wins $2 million lottery prize for 2nd time in his life

SALISBURY, Md. -- A Maryland man just claimed his second $2 million lottery prize, after winning the first one several years ago.

The retired utility worker from Salisbury bought two "$2,000,000 Richer" scratch-off tickets from a local Exxon gas station. On the first ticket, he uncovered a $100 prize. But the second ticket hit big, revealing the $2 million jackpot.

The lucky player discovered he won during the pandemic, but kept the ticket hidden in a safe until days before the expiration date.

"I was just a bit nervous," he told Maryland Lottery officials. "I worried that I could have a fire (at home) that would burn it up, that the ticket's expiration date might come up and even had just a bit of doubt that it was really real."

After his first win, the man told lottery officials he planned to use the money to fund a family vacation and his retirement. Now retired, his new winnings will be put toward another family vacation and home improvements, he said.

Of course, he's keenly aware of how lucky he is, and even offered some advice to players.

"Be realistic and make sure that when you play that you aren't just playing for the big jackpot. Play for enjoyment and as long as you enjoy what you are doing, win or lose, you've already won," he said.

The game "$2,000,000 Richer" was launched Feb. 25, 2019, and ends Nov.1, 2021.

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