Southern Maryland Retailer Sells $41,780 Jackpot Ticket
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In a stroke of luck that has become increasingly characteristic of the area, a Southern Maryland retailer has become the point of sale for the seventh progressive jackpot winner in the Maryland Lottery’s FAST PLAY Gold Fish® game. The winning ticket, sold on February 28, amounted to a staggering $41,780. Hardesty’s Drive-In Liquors, located at 12190 Crain Highway in Newburg, Charles County, has been identified as the retailer that sold this fortunate ticket.
The Maryland Lottery announced that the retailer would be rewarded with a $417 bonus for selling the winning ticket, continuing the tradition of incentivizing sales locations that dispense lucky tickets. This event marks a notable win in the FAST PLAY series, attracting attention and hopeful players to the game introduced on September 5, 2022.
Maryland Lottery officials have issued a statement urging the winner to secure their ticket. “Lottery officials encourage the winner to sign the back of the ticket immediately and put it in a safe location,” they advised, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the ticket until it can be officially claimed. Winners have a 182-day period from the date of their win to come forward and claim their prize, a policy designed to give ample time for the rightful owners to present their winning tickets.
The process for claiming prizes is well-established, with detailed instructions provided for both in-person and mail-in claims. For prizes exceeding $25,000, winners are directed to either mail their claim or visit the Lottery headquarters in person, located at the Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 330, Baltimore. To ensure an organized and efficient process, the Claims Center in Baltimore operates by appointment only, a system put in place to accommodate winners while maintaining operational efficiency.
The FAST PLAY Gold Fish® game, with tickets priced at $2, still boasts a healthy stock of prizes, including 13 remaining progressive jackpot prizes. Aside from the jackpot, players can win various amounts ranging from $2 to $1,000, offering numerous opportunities for players to win. The allure of these prizes continues to draw participants to the game, hopeful for their chance at luck.
As the Maryland Lottery releases more winners into the “sea” of potential jackpots, the excitement around the FAST PLAY games, particularly the Gold Fish® game, remains undiminished. Players are encouraged to try their luck, with the promise of remaining jackpots and the thrill of the game driving continued interest and participation.
For those looking to claim their winnings or learn more about the process, the Maryland Lottery has made resources available online, providing a comprehensive guide to ensure winners can easily navigate the claiming process. With more prizes out there waiting to be caught, the Maryland Lottery’s FAST PLAY Gold Fish® game stands as a beacon of hope and excitement for players across the state, symbolizing the chance for fortune and the thrill of the win.
