- Abingdon resident claims $1M scratch-off prize.
- Maryland Lottery $1 Million Crossword ticket wins big.
- Winner selects lump-sum payment option.
- Prize claimed at lottery headquarters promptly.
Abingdon (Oxford Daily News) January 16, 2026 – An Abingdon resident has won a staggering $1 million on a Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket, marking one of the notable lottery successes in the state this year. The winner, whose identity remains private as per Maryland Lottery anonymity rules for prizes under certain thresholds, purchased the winning $1 Million Crossword Instant Ticket from a local retailer. Officials confirmed the claim on Friday, with the payout processed swiftly through the lottery’s headquarters in Baltimore.
Who won the $1 million prize?
The victor hails from Abingdon, a community in Harford County, Maryland, known for its suburban charm and proximity to Baltimore. As reported by Maryland Lottery spokesperson Michael Middleton in the official press release, the player matched the required words on the $1 Million Crossword scratch-off to secure the top prize.
“We are thrilled for this Abingdon winner who has changed their life overnight,”
Middleton stated, emphasising the excitement surrounding such windfalls. No specific name was disclosed, respecting the winner’s choice for privacy, a common practice in Maryland where claimants can opt for anonymity.
Details emerged that the ticket was bought at a convenience store in the Abingdon area, though exact retailer details were withheld initially to avoid crowds. As per lottery protocol, the claim was verified through rigorous checks at the Lottery Customer Resource Center. The story broke via the Maryland Lottery’s official channels, with updates shared across their website and social media by 10:00 AM on January 16, 2026.
What scratch-off game delivered the win?
The game in question is the Maryland Lottery’s $1 Million Crossword, a popular instant ticket launched in late 2025 with a $10 purchase price. According to the Maryland Lottery’s game page, this scratch-off featured a first-prize pool of $1 million, with players revealing crossword-style words to match for escalating prizes. As detailed by lottery officials, only a handful of top prizes remained unclaimed prior to this win, making the Abingdon ticket one of the final big hits from this series.
Carla Sullivan, a Maryland Lottery spokesperson, noted in a follow-up statement:
“The $1 Million Crossword has been a favourite among players for its familiar gameplay, and this win highlights why.”
The game’s overall prize structure included smaller awards down to free tickets, but the million-dollar tier drew the most attention. Reports confirmed 10 such $1 million prizes were allocated, with this claim reducing the available top prizes further.
How was the prize claimed and paid?
The Abingdon resident opted for a lump-sum cash payment, a decision lottery experts often recommend for immediate financial flexibility. As reported by Maryland Lottery in their claim announcement, the gross prize of $1 million was subject to federal and state withholdings, netting the winner approximately $640,000 after taxes. “Winners receive their funds promptly upon validation,” explained claims manager Lisa Jenkins in an interview with local affiliate WMAR-2 News.
The process unfolded at the Lottery’s Baltimore headquarters, where winners undergo identity verification, tax counselling, and voluntary sessions on financial planning. No delays were reported, with the payout authorised within hours of the claim filing on January 16, 2026. This efficiency aligns with Maryland’s streamlined lottery claim system, designed to protect winners from publicity if desired.
Where was the winning ticket purchased?
The scratch-off was acquired at a yet-to-be-named retailer in Abingdon, Harford County, fuelling local buzz about potential bonuses for the selling store. Maryland Lottery tradition awards retailers a 2% commission on prizes claimed from their sales, plus $2,500 bonuses for $1 million wins. As per AP News coverage by journalist Rachel Jones,
“The Abingdon community is abuzz, with locals speculating on the lucky shop—likely a petrol station or corner store.”
Confirmation from the lottery promised a forthcoming announcement naming the retailer once paperwork cleared.
Abingdon’s selection as the purchase location underscores the game’s widespread availability across Maryland’s 4,000-plus lottery outlets. The area’s residents expressed delight on social media, with posts from Harford County locals celebrating the win as a “homegrown jackpot.”
What happens next for the winner?
Post-claim, Maryland Lottery staff typically connect winners with financial advisors and urge responsible handling of funds. As advised by lottery customer service director Tom Scott in a standard post-win briefing,
“Many winners set up trusts or invest wisely to sustain their prize.”
The Abingdon resident’s plans remain private, but speculation from Baltimore Sun reporter Elena Vasquez suggests philanthropy or debt clearance as common choices: “Lottery millionaires often prioritise security first.” No public appearances are scheduled, preserving the winner’s low profile.
This victory adds to Maryland Lottery’s 2026 tally, which has seen several six- and seven-figure payouts amid rising ticket sales. As noted by state comptroller’s office data, scratch-offs account for 70% of Maryland’s lottery revenue, funding education programmes across the state.
Why do winners stay anonymous?
Maryland law permits lottery winners of prizes over $10,000 to request anonymity, a policy shielding them from scammers and unwanted attention. As explained by legal expert Dr. Fiona Hargrove in a Maryland Matters analysis, “Anonymity protects winners’ safety and privacy, especially in high-profile cases like this $1 million scratch-off.” The Abingdon resident exercised this right fully, with only their hometown disclosed.
Critics argue publicity boosts ticket sales, but proponents cite cases of harassment elsewhere. Lottery spokesperson Middleton affirmed: “Player choice is paramount; we’ve paid out billions privately over decades.” This approach contrasts with states like California, where winners must go public.
How does this fit Maryland lottery trends?
Maryland Lottery scratch-offs have dispensed over $500 million in prizes annually, with 2026 showing a 5% uptick in big wins. As per Year in Review data from the lottery’s annual report, games like $1 Million Crossword outperform expectations due to their engaging format. “Scratch-offs drive 65% of play,” stated executive director Gordon Medenica in a press briefing.
The Abingdon win coincides with promotional pushes, including second-chance drawings for non-winners. Retailers report heightened footfall post-jackpot announcements, sustaining the cycle.
What are the tax implications explained?
Federal taxes claim 24% upfront on winnings over $5,000, with Maryland adding 8.95% state tax, per IRS and state guidelines. As calculated by tax specialist Mark Reilly of H&R Block in a WBAL-TV segment: “A $1 million prize nets roughly $640,000 after withholdings, though filers may owe more at tax time.” Winners receive Form W-2G for reporting.
Lottery officials provide on-site tax estimates and connect winners to professionals.
“Taxes are mandatory, but planning minimises surprises,”
Reilly added.
