Columbia Woman Celebrates Lottery Win By Steaming A Whole Bunch of Crabs

A Columbia woman who won $10,000 from a Crab Cash scratch-off card thought it only fitting to celebrate her win with a bunch of steamed crabs for dinner.

According to lottery officials, Megan Blackwell, 35, an administrative assistant, stopped at the 7-Eleven store at 5740 Columbia Road in Columbia on her way to work Thursday and picked up a few $2 instant Crab Cash scratch-off tickets. After getting to work early, she decided to sit outside and scratch off her tickets.

“I was still pretty tired and thought I was seeing things,” Blackwell said of the winning ticket. “I called my husband and when he didn’t answer, I texted him a picture.”

After confirming that her scratch-off was worth $10,000, the excited winner decided to get steamed crabs for dinner to match the crab-themed ticket.

When asked why she chose the game, Blackwell explained that she likes scratching new games, especially ones that offer a second-chance contest.

“I really like this Crab Cash ticket,” said the mother of two. “After seeing the commercial a few times, it stuck in my head. I also just really love scratching tickets. Whether I win or lose, I enjoy playing.”

Blackwell said she has big plans for her prize. Her family is planning a move to Pennsylvania this summer, and she and her husband are thrilled to have this extra money to put toward the relocation.

Lottery officials said there are still four $10,000 top prizes remaining in the Crab Cash scratch-off game. Second-chance contests offer two week-long trips to Ocean City and two weekend trips to the Inner Harbor. Players can enter non-winning Crab Cash scratch-offs through My Lottery Rewards. Drawings will take place on July 17 and Aug. 17.