One lucky birthday bet turns into $25K Ohio Lottery payday

AKRON, Ohio — An Akron man who decided to play his birthday numbers for the first time this year ended up cashing in on a $25K Ohio Lottery Pick 5 jackpot after all five numbers hit in the evening drawing.

The Akron winner matched all five winning numbers in the May 8 Pick 5 evening draw to claim a $25,417 prize, according to the Ohio Lottery.

The winning combination — 3-2-5-5-8 — was based on his birth date.

The winner said he had never played those numbers before this year and was shocked when they appeared in the drawing.

His $0.50 straight bet paid $25,000, while an added 60-way box bet boosted the total payout to $25,417.

After 26.75% in taxes, the winner will receive approximately $18,617.95.

He told lottery officials he plans to place the winnings in the bank.

The winning ticket was sold at Firestone Mini Mart, located at 1459 Aster Ave. in Akron.

Ohio Lottery officials said Pick 5 drawings are held daily at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., with Saturday evening drawings airing during the Cash Explosion television show.

Key Points

An Akron man won $25,417 playing birthday numbers in the Ohio Lottery Pick 5 drawing
The winning number combination was based on his birth date
The winner plans to save the money after taxes

Chris Quigley Latest posts

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