Man misreads jackpot before landing 50k windfall in ohio
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Man misreads jackpot before landing 50K windfall in Ohio

by
March 31, 2026
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Ohio man cashes in $50K scratch-off after confusing windfall moment

Groveport, OH — A Franklin County man expecting a smaller payout was briefly stunned at a lottery scanner when a string of zeros made him believe he had won far more than reality before confirming a $50,000 prize.

Melvin Ebervein Jr. of Groveport claimed the $50,000 prize after playing the Ohio Lottery’s VIP Millions scratch-off game, officials said.

Ebervein purchased the ticket at Certified Oil, located at 326 Main Street in Groveport.

After scanning the ticket, he initially thought he had won $500,000 due to the number displayed on the screen. The actual prize amount was confirmed to be $50,000.

Following mandatory state and federal taxes totaling 26.75%, Ebervein will receive $36,625.

He said the winnings will be used to pay off his new truck.

VIP Millions is a $50 scratch-off game that the Ohio Lottery says offers players strong odds at top prizes. As of March 23, 2026, 15 top prizes of $40,000 per year for 25 years remain available.

The Ohio Lottery reports contributing more than $34 billion to education since 1974.

Key Points

  • Groveport man wins $50,000 on VIP Millions scratch-off
  • Initial scan led to confusion over prize amount
  • Winnings will be used to pay off a vehicle
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