Gas stop turns wild as man scores $50k with strangers help — Photo: #post_seo_title money

Gas stop gamble turns into $50K jackpot with help from stranger

Mingo Junction, OH — A quick stop for gas turned into a $50,000 payday for an Ohio man after a chance encounter with a stranger and a borrowed scratcher changed his trip home.

The man was traveling home for Easter when he stopped at a Speedway on Allen Road in Octa and decided to buy an Ultimate $5,000,000 scratch-off ticket after noticing another customer playing.

Without a coin to scratch the ticket, the woman offered him her “lucky” scratcher. As he revealed the numbers, he spotted matching pairs and realized he had a winning ticket. A scan using the Ohio Lottery app confirmed the prize was $50,000.

The man, caught off guard by the win, handed the woman $100 as a thank-you before leaving, though he never got her name.

He later called his wife to share the news, who initially did not believe him until he sent a photo of the ticket.

The winner said he plans to use the money to pay bills, help his daughter with a car down payment, and take a trip to Myrtle Beach.

The Ohio Lottery said proceeds continue to support education programs across the state.

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Key Points

Ohio man wins $50,000 after buying scratch-off during gas stop
Stranger lends “lucky” scratcher used to reveal winning ticket
Winner plans to pay bills, help family, and take a vacation

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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