Truck Driver Nearly Misses Life-Changing Prize

Loyal Mega Millions Player $1 Million Win

For many, playing the lottery is a hopeful ritual—an affordable dream that might just come true. That’s exactly how one dedicated Maryland, USA truck driver approaches his weekly lottery tradition.

Every week, he buys a mix of tickets, but there’s one game he never skips: American Mega Millions, the beloved multistate lottery game offering jackpots that can soar into billions. This steadfast loyalty paid off on October 15, when one of his tickets awarded a staggering $1 million second-tier prize. He has now come forward to collect his big win.

A Nearly Missed Million-Dollar Moment

The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, has a routine for his lottery tickets. “The night before I buy new tickets, I check the ones I already have very carefully,” he explained. However, that week, his usual routine was interrupted.

“While I was comparing my tickets to the winning numbers, I had to stop to take care of something in the house,” he shared. When he returned to finish checking, he thought he’d picked up right where he’d left off. In reality, he had accidentally skipped over one ticket—the winning ticket.

The next morning, while driving a family member to work, he casually mentioned that he was planning to throw the tickets away. Thankfully, his family member insisted on double-checking them using the official Maryland Lottery app. That moment of diligence made all the difference.

“The first ticket she scanned was the one,” the truck driver recounted, still marveling at the near miss. Just as he started to drive away, he saw her in the rearview mirror, chasing after his car, waving her arms frantically.

“I thought something was wrong,” he said. “But when I saw her smile, I knew it was good news.”

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The Winning Ticket and the Plans Ahead

The lucky ticket, a quick-pick, was purchased at Check Cash Depot in Brooklyn, Maryland. The retailer earned a $2,500 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the winning ticket.

As for the winner, he already has big plans for his newfound wealth. Top priorities include buying a new home and a car—both things his family needs.

About the Mega Millions Game

American Mega Millions is one of the most popular lottery games in the world. Players choose five numbers from 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. The jackpot starts at $20 million and has climbed past a billion dollars on multiple occasions.

While the jackpot is the star attraction, the game offers eight additional prize tiers, ranging from $2 to $1 million.

For this lucky Maryland truck driver, Mega Millions has become more than just a game; it’s a life-changing moment he almost missed. The next time you check your tickets, double-check carefully, because your million-dollar dream might be closer than you think!