Scratch-off surprise turns into $15K win for Portage County man
DIAMOND, Ohio — What started as a simple scratch-off routine quickly turned into a $15,000 payday for a Portage County man who knew something was different the moment he saw one symbol.
David W. purchased a Set for Life scratch-off ticket at Collas Market on Mahoning Avenue in Austintown and began scratching from the bottom — his usual approach.
That’s when he spotted it.
A “50X” symbol.
As he worked his way up the ticket, it became clear this wasn’t an ordinary result. Still unsure of the total, he decided not to do the math himself and instead scanned the ticket.
The result stopped him in his tracks.
The screen showed a $15,000 win.
He said he stood there stunned for a moment before it fully sank in — and then couldn’t stop smiling.
This isn’t his first brush with lottery luck. David has previously appeared twice on Cash Explosion and also scored a win on a 50th Anniversary scratch-off.
After taxes, the total payout comes to $10,987.50. He plans to use the money to pay off bills and set some aside for the future.
The Set for Life game still has major prizes remaining, including two top awards of $250,000 a year for 20 years.
For one local player, though, this ticket was already more than enough.
Key Points
- Portage County man wins $15,000 on scratch-off ticket
- “50X” symbol revealed big prize during scratch
- Plans to pay bills and save remaining winnings
