Waldorf Woman Wins $50,000 on Mega Bucks Scratch-Off

WALDORF, Md. — A local resident dubbed “Money Diane” celebrated a $50,000 win from a Mega Bucks scratch-off ticket purchased in Capitol Heights earlier this month. After years of urging friends to play the lottery and witnessing their wins, the 47-year-old Waldorf native decided it was her time to triumph.

In January, while visiting Frank’s Tavern at 1703 Kenilworth Avenue, Diane bought two Mega Bucks scratch-offs along with other games. Despite not winning the previous day, she felt optimistic about returning. “Something said, go back tomorrow and try again,” she remarked, attributing her persistence to her eventual success.

Upon scratching the winning ticket, Diane was initially awed by a $100 bonus revealed in a separate game section. “And then, all of my numbers matched all the winning numbers, plus I had a few ‘money bag’ symbols,” she explained, joyously recounting the moment.

Her exhilaration continued as she revealed that every line on her ticket unveiled a winning amount. After confirming her win with the store owner, she affectionately scanned the scratch-off multiple times to validate her remarkable fortune. “It was a dream come true,” she added.

Thrilled by the news, Diane immediately shared her win with her sister and subsequently with her boyfriend, who safely kept the winning ticket until she could claim her prize later that week. “They were both so supportive. I couldn’t wait to tell them!” she exclaimed.

Diane plans to invest her winnings in home renovations and dream of traveling, showcasing her excitement for the future. The Mega Bucks game, introduced on November 2024, offers nine $100,000 top prizes — six of which are still up for grabs. Diane’s win marks her as the fifth individual to claim the $50,000 second-tier prize, leaving five remaining.

Now available are also thousands of other prizes ranging from $10 to $10,000, fueling the hopes of Maryland Lottery players keen on a stroke of luck. For players hoping to replicate Diane’s success, the Maryland Lottery reminds them to play responsibly, as participants must be at least 18 years old to engage in lottery games.