Karen L. of Rosedale just claimed a $1 million prize from the Maryland Lottery Holiday Raffle drawing held on January 2. The life-changing win came on her late mother’s birthday, a coincidence she credits as a spiritual sign. By purchasing a $20 raffle ticket at a Pikesville 7-Eleven, she transformed her future and retirement plans in an instant.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Winner: Karen L. from Baltimore County, who regularly plays lottery games
- Prize Amount: $1 million top prize from the Holiday Raffle drawing
- Drawing Date: January 2, 2026, coinciding with her late mother’s birthday
- Claim Timeline: Winners have 182 days from January 2 to claim their prizes
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Karen L. discovered her win on January 5 when she finally scanned her $20 raffle ticket with the Maryland Lottery app. Initially, she expected to see a smaller second-tier prize of $100,000. However, when the ticket prompted her to “Go to Lottery,” she knew something bigger was happening. The revelation that she had won the $1 million jackpot felt surreal and deeply spiritual to her. She immediately connected this extraordinary fortune to her late mother’s birthday, which coincided with the January 2 drawing.
“I think it is my mom again. She is helping me with my retirement,” Karen said with a smile. The emotional weight of winning on such a significant date strengthened her belief that her mother was watching over her and guiding her luck.
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The Maryland Lottery Holiday Raffle ran from November 3 through January 1, offering players a chance to win extraordinary prizes. Karen’s winning ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven on 1801 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville on an unspecified date before claiming it on January 5. The raffle featured a total of 237,206 sequentially numbered tickets, priced at $20 each. The drawing itself generated 10,011 winning numbers, but only one could claim the ultimate prize. Karen’s ticket number 136188 proved to be the winner when scanned and submitted.
The Baltimore County resident had previously played various lottery games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch-off tickets. However, this was her first time trying the Holiday Raffle. That single decision to purchase one ticket would transform her financial future and provide security for her retirement years.
Prize Structure and Timeline for Winners
| Prize Category | Amount |
| Top Prize | $1 million |
| Second-Tier Prizes | $100,000 (10 total) |
| Smaller Prizes | $50 to various amounts (10,000 total) |
| Total Tickets Sold | 237,206 at $20 each |
Winners must claim their Maryland Lottery prizes within 182 days from January 2, the official drawing date. Karen has until July 2, 2026 to officially claim her $1 million prize. Although Maryland law allows winners to remain anonymous, Karen chose to come forward with her story of triumph and spiritual connection to her late mother.
“I think it is my mom again. She is helping me with my retirement.”
— Karen L., Maryland Lottery Holiday Raffle Winner
Plans for Financial Security and Personal Renovation
With her $1 million windfall, Karen has concrete plans to secure her financial future. Her first priority is to purchase a new car, replacing whatever vehicle she currently depends on. Beyond transportation, she intends to renovate her home, making improvements she has likely postponed for years. Most importantly, Karen plans to secure her finances and savings, establishing a safety net for retirement and unexpected expenses. The life-changing prize removes financial stress from her daily life and allows her to dream bigger about her future. As she reflected moments after learning her fortune, Karen admitted, “It still hasn’t hit me yet.” The reality of becoming a millionaire overnight takes time to fully absorb and comprehend.
Karen’s story represents the extraordinary power of one lottery ticket purchased on impulse. By trying the Holiday Raffle for the first time, she secured her retirement and achieved financial independence she may never have imagined possible.
How Can You Check Your Holiday Raffle Ticket and Play Responsibly?
Maryland Lottery players can verify their winning numbers and check their tickets in multiple ways. Visit the Holiday Raffle page at mdlottery.com and use the interactive search tool to check if your ticket is a winner. Alternatively, download the Maryland Lottery app on your smartphone and scan your ticket barcode for instant verification. A prompt to “Go to Lottery” indicates a significant prize, just as Karen experienced. The complete list of winning numbers is publicly available on the official Maryland Lottery website. For those experiencing gambling concerns, mdgamblinghelp.org provides confidential resources, and you can call 1-800-GAMBLER for support at any time.
Sources
- FOX45 News – Comprehensive coverage of Karen L.’s $1 million Maryland Lottery Holiday Raffle win on January 8, 2026
- Maryland Lottery and Gaming Official – Official announcement and prize details for the 2025-2026 Holiday Raffle
- Maryland Comptroller’s Office – Tax information for lottery winners earning more than $5,000
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.