Stubborn Akron man hits $3.5 million jackpot after playing same numbers for 22 years
AKRON, OH — After playing the same six numbers for more than two decades, an Akron man has finally matched them all, capturing a $3.5 million Classic Lotto jackpot and bringing a 22-year streak to a dramatic end.
The longtime player said he stuck with his chosen numbers despite only landing a few small wins over the years because he was stubborn.
Even after becoming a snowbird, he continued playing. He spent about $10 a month on tickets, and when he was out of town, his best friend purchased them on his behalf to keep the streak alive.
When the drawing results were announced Tuesday, he immediately recognized the winning combination: 6-8-16-20-26-45. Though he did not have the ticket in hand at the time, he said he knew the numbers by heart after 22 years of playing them.
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He told his wife they were going to get a large pool before boarding a flight to retrieve the ticket from his Akron home.
The winner selected the cash option of $1.7 million and will receive $1,281,875 after mandatory state and federal taxes.
He said he has officially retired following the win and plans to purchase a home and build a home gym along with the pool.
The winning ticket was sold at MAPCO #1929, 997 Brown Street in Akron. The retailer will receive a $1,000 bonus.
Classic Lotto drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at approximately 7:05 p.m. The jackpot starts at $1 million and increases by at least $100,000 each time there is no jackpot winner. The odds of matching all six numbers are 1 in 13,983,816.
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For one Akron man, persistence over 22 years has now paid off with a $3.5 million prize.
Key Points
- An Akron man won a $3.5 million Classic Lotto jackpot after playing the same numbers for 22 years
- He chose the $1.7 million cash option and will receive $1,281,875 after taxes
- The winning ticket was sold at MAPCO on Brown Street
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