Simple store stop leads to five figure payday in ohio — money

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.

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

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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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News