Birthday scratch off gamble turns into $300K shocker

Birthday scratch off swap explodes into $300000 jackpot for Newton Falls wife

NEWTON FALLS, OH — A husband’s birthday scratch-off run turned into a $300,000 jackpot after he cashed in a $150 win and unknowingly bought his wife a ticket that delivered the game’s top prize.

The Ohio Lottery said the Newton Falls woman received four $5 Special Edition Cashword Scratch-Off tickets after the retailer was sold out of her usual $10 $500,000 Cashword game. Her husband had initially received several tickets for his birthday, won $150 and returned to purchase additional tickets.

Later that night, while her husband was out with friends, she scratched the first of the four tickets and uncovered 10 winning words, securing the game’s $300,000 jackpot.

She used the Ohio Lottery app to scan the ticket to confirm the result. After attempting to call her husband without success, she waited until he returned home to share the news. He initially believed the prize was $50 before seeing the full amount.

After mandatory state and federal taxes totaling 26.75 percent, she will receive $219,750.

The winning ticket was purchased at Newton Falls Convenient Mart, 321 South Milton Boulevard in Newton Falls.

The overall odds of winning the Special Edition Cashword game are 1 in 4.11. As of Wednesday, five top prizes remain.

The couple said they plan to use the winnings to pay off their house and vehicle and save the remainder.

For one Newton Falls family, a birthday celebration has now turned into a $300,000 payday.


Key Points

  • A Newton Falls woman won a $300,000 jackpot on a $5 Special Edition Cashword ticket
  • The ticket was purchased at Newton Falls Convenient Mart
  • After taxes, the winner will receive $219,750
Local News Report

Local News Report

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