A man who spent 22 years in the U.S. Marines said he almost collapsed in shock after learning he won the Maryland lottery.
“Unphased by his stint as a world-traveling U.S. Marine, a Fort Washington man nearly hit the deck after winning $50,002 on a Bonus Match 5 quick-pick ticket,” lottery officials said in a May 15 news release.
At first when the 71-year-old checked his ticket for a win, he thought he only won $400. He decided to check again using a lottery mobile app and realized he actually won much more, officials said in the release.
“I nearly fell out of my chair,” he told officials.
He retired from the Marines in 1992 and doesn’t have plans for his winnings except to put it into savings, the release said.
He bought the winning ticket at a convenience store — F & W Convenience in Fort Washington, officials said. He bought a two-draw ticket Thursday, May 4 and “won his fortune on May 5.”
Fort Washington is about 20 miles south of Washington, D.C.
Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
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