Shaken Retiree Finds First $50,000 ‘Boom’ in Cash Boom Game

Carroll County resident claims top prize on new scratch-off

The $5 Cash Boom scratch-off went on sale Monday and quickly had its first winning explosion. A Westminster woman won the game’s first $50,000 top prize.

To win, players must match three identical symbols to receive the dollar amount listed to the right. They can also reveal a 5X symbol in any game to win 5X the prize for that game. The 67-year-old revealed three “ladybug” symbols on the final line in her scratch-off play area and saw $50,000 listed as the prize. She said she started to shake with excitement when she realized she won.

“When I saw that I won $50,000, I couldn’t believe it. No way it was real,” said the Carroll County resident as she claimed her prize at Lottery headquarters. The big winner is undecided on plans for her prize but vows she will spend it wisely.

The retired retail worker is a regular scratch-off player with a preferred choice of scratcher for instant tickets. She prefers a thinner coin than a quarter or nickel.

“When I scratch, I need to use a dime. The dime texture feels better and easier to scratch with compared to the bigger coins,” she explained.

The House of Liquors in Carroll County is also enjoying its role in selling the $50,000 top-prize winning scratch-off. The Westminster retailer located at 19 Carroll Plaza will receive a $500 bonus from the Lottery.

The Westminster woman is the first top-prize winner in the Cash Boom game, but she won’t be the last. Seven top prizes remain along with smaller prizes ranging from $10 to $5,000.