Man buys $3 lottery ticket and nearly throws it away — then discovers he won big
A retired contractor bought a $3 lottery ticket in Maryland and almost threw it away.
Then he realized he won $30,000.
Jorge Baez Ventura of Bowie spent $20 on scratch-off tickets and only won $3 from all of the games, the Maryland Lottery said in an April 16 news release.
He put the $3 toward one last game — a Fast Play Battleship ticket he got in Capitol Heights, lottery officials said.
Baez Ventura didn’t check the ticket for five days.
When he did, he realized he had won the game’s top prize, the lottery office said. He called his daughter and shared the news.
Now he has plans to spend the prize money on his family and on a trip to the Dominican Republic.
Bowie is about a 30-mile drive southwest of Baltimore.
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.
Powerball player wins huge prize in Michigan — then has the longest week of his life
Powerball player wins huge prize in Michigan — then has the longest week of his life
Mega Millions player uses go-to strategy — and it pays off with life-changing prize
