Big shirley's unbelievable streak ends with $50k tv game show jackpot

West Chester grandmother hears her name called three straight times to capture top prize

WEST CHESTER, Ohio — What started as a surprise appearance on an Ohio Lottery television game show turned into a remarkable winning streak after a Butler County grandmother watched her name get called three consecutive times on the way to a $50K grand prize.

Shirley Coaston, known as “Big Shirley,” claimed the top prize on the Ohio Lottery’s Cash Explosion game show after years of playing Cash Explosion Scratch-Off tickets without a major win.

According to the Ohio Lottery, Coaston’s husband first learned she had been selected as a contestant when he saw her name announced on television.

The West Chester resident said she had been excited ever since learning she would appear on the show.

During the competition, Coaston selected the numbers 5, 16, and 24 based on family birthdays in May.

The strategy paid off.

Lottery officials said she revealed both a 2X Double and the Ohio Lottery Ticket Jackpot.

The Ticket Jackpot awarded her $1,000 worth of Set for Life Scratch-Off tickets.

Coaston won $9,400 in the opening round and advanced to the final round of the competition.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

Her name was selected first, second, and third in succession during the final round, securing the show’s $50K grand prize.

The winnings continued beyond the top prize. Officials said she also collected an additional $300 through the Ticket Jackpot bonus.

After mandatory state and federal tax withholdings totaling 26.75%, Coaston will receive $36,625.

She told lottery officials she plans to use part of the money to take her four grandchildren to Disney and hopes to enjoy an Alaskan cruise as well.

The Cash Explosion Scratch-Off ticket that earned her a spot on the show was purchased at To Go’s Shell, located at 7809 Cincinnati Dayton Road in West Chester.

Key Points

Shirley “Big Shirley” Coaston won the $50K Cash Explosion grand prize
Her name was selected three consecutive times in the final round
The winning Scratch-Off ticket was purchased in West Chester

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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.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

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