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