**MARYLAND MAN’S ITCHY HAND STRIKES LOTTERY JACKPOT… OF $40,000!**
In a bizarre incident that has left lottery officials scratching their heads, a Maryland man credited an itchy hand for purchasing a winning lottery ticket that netted him a whopping $40,000 prize.
John Smith, 32, of Baltimore, claimed that a sudden and intense itch on his left hand prompted him to stop at the local convenience store to buy a lottery ticket. “I was just driving to work, minding my own business, when suddenly my hand started itching like crazy,” Smith explained in an interview. “I swear, it was like my hand was trying to tell me something. I pulled over and grabbed a ticket on a whim.”
The ticket, a $5 scratch-off game, revealed that Smith had matched five numbers, earning him the $40,000 prize. “I couldn’t believe it,” Smith exclaimed. “I started dancing in the parking lot, much to the amusement of the people around me. I mean, who dances in a parking lot? Me, apparently!”
When asked if he had any plans for the winnings, Smith replied, “Well, first things first, I’m buying some Benadryl. I don’t want to have to deal with itchy hands again. But seriously, I’m going to put some of the money towards a down payment on a house and maybe take a nice vacation with my family.”
Lottery officials were stunned by Smith’s story, but confirmed that his ticket was indeed a winner. “We’re thrilled for John and his lucky itchy hand,” said a spokesperson for the Maryland Lottery. “While we can’t guarantee that scratching will lead to a big win, we do encourage players to trust their instincts – and maybe take some anti-itch cream, just in case.”
Smith’s win has sparked a flurry of interest in the lottery, with many people wondering if they too can strike it rich with a simple itchy hand. As for Smith, he’s just happy to have a little extra cash and a funny story to tell. “I’m just glad my hand was trying to tell me something,” he chuckled. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go scratch that itch…”
