Ohio man left stunned after $20 scratch-off turns into $15K payday
Diamond, OH — A routine scratch-off purchase turned into a five-figure surprise for a Portage County man who realized he had won $15,000 only after scanning his ticket at a local store.
David W. of Diamond purchased the winning Set for Life scratch-off ticket at Collas Market on Mahoning Avenue in nearby Austintown, according to the Ohio Lottery.
He said he began scratching the ticket from the bottom and uncovered a “50X” symbol before working his way up, realizing the prize was significant but choosing to scan the ticket rather than calculate the total himself.
The scan confirmed a $15,000 win, leaving him momentarily stunned before the realization set in.
Now unfolding, Food mart sale leads to five figure lottery prize.
This marks another win for David, who previously appeared twice on Cash Explosion and also recorded a prior prize from a 50th Anniversary scratch-off game.
After required state and federal taxes totaling 26.75%, the take-home amount is $10,987.50. He said he plans to use the money to pay bills and set aside savings.
As of March 23, 2026, Ohio Lottery officials said two top prizes of $250,000 per year for 20 years remain in the Set for Life game.
The Ohio Lottery reports contributing more than $34 billion to education since 1974.
Key Points
New this morning, Akron street ambush leaves man dead and woman wounded in hail of bullets.
- Portage County man wins $15,000 on $20 scratch-off ticket
- Winning ticket purchased at Collas Market in Austintown
- Winner plans to pay bills and save remaining money
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