Pennsylvania Grandfather Wins $50,000 on Scratch-Off Ticket

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A Pennsylvania grandfather, David Costella, won a $50,000 top prize on a $5 Money Maker scratch-off ticket that he purchased at a Rutter's convenience store in Emmitsburg, Maryland while on a family road trip. The winning ticket nearly went unclaimed until Costella's wife found it weeks later and encouraged him to check it, leading to the surprise discovery of the substantial prize.

Why it matters

Scratch-off lottery games continue to be popular entertainment options, with occasional large prize wins generating excitement and interest. This story highlights how a simple, spontaneous purchase can lead to life-changing winnings, even if the ticket sits unchecked for some time.

The details

While traveling home to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with his daughter and granddaughter, David Costella stopped at a Rutter's convenience store in Emmitsburg, Maryland and purchased two $5 Money Maker scratch-off tickets. The tickets sat unscratched for about two weeks until Costella's wife found them and reminded him to check them. Upon scratching the ticket, Costella discovered he had won the $50,000 top prize. He claimed the prize at the Maryland Lottery headquarters on March 27.

• In early March, Costella purchased the winning ticket while on a family road trip.
• About two weeks later, Costella's wife found the unscratched tickets and encouraged him to check them.
• On March 27, Costella claimed the $50,000 prize at the Maryland Lottery headquarters.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Costella has not finalized plans for how to use the $50,000 prize, but said he plans to put some of it towards a vacation already scheduled for next year.