OXON HILL, Md. – Longtime Lottery enthusiast George Slye Jr., a Washington, D.C. native, is ringing in the new year with a big Keno prize! George recently stopped by Maryland Lottery headquarters to celebrate his $27,000 win, calling it a “Christmas gift” that set him up for a comfortable start to 2025.
The veteran player favors Racetrax, Keno and scratch-offs. The thrill of playing and the possibility of winning a big prize keeps him coming back, he said. Previously, George’s largest prize was $43,000.
On the day he purchased the winning ticket, George and his wife were visiting family members. The couple stopped by Eastover Liquors, located at 4909 Indian Head Highway in Oxon Hill, where George decided to test his luck with a few Keno tickets. His purchase took place during a Keno Sprinkler promotion, which doubles or triples the prize on winning tickets.
When he realized he’d won $27,000, George was stunned. His two-draw, six-spot ticket with a Bonus brought home the big win in the second drawing. The Bonus feature tripled his prize and the ticket also qualified for a second tripling of the prize through the Keno Sprinkler promotion.
“I was shocked,” he recalled. His first instinct was to rush home and safely store the winning ticket. George considers the prize a blessing, saying, “It’s a Christmas gift that puts us in a great place heading into the new year.”
So, what’s next for the Slye family? George and his wife have big plans for their windfall. The couple will invest in home renovations and hope to take a vacation soon. As for playing the Lottery again, George didn’t hesitate with his answer. “I’ll play every chance I get, for as long as I can. We both really enjoy playing and dream of winning another top prize.”
The win wasn’t just a cause for celebration for George. Eastover Liquors will also receive a $270 Lottery bonus for selling a winning Keno ticket of $10,000 or more. The bonus is equal to 1% of the prize.