Scratch-off surprise turns into $1 million prize for ohio woman — money big ID 20912061 © Eti Swinford | Dreamstime.com

Metamora woman wins $2 million prize after almost tossing scratch-off ticket

Metamora, OH – A Metamora woman is $1 million richer after nearly discarding a $300 Million Diamond Dazzler scratch-off ticket she believed was a loser — only to discover it was actually a top prize winner worth $80,000 a year for 25 years.

Candace purchased the $20 ticket at T Mart on East Main Street and initially thought it wasn’t a winner. While scanning the ticket using the Ohio Lottery app to earn points, she was stunned when the app displayed a winning message, prompting her to take a second look. The prize turned out to be one of the game’s top awards.

Candace opted for the $1 million cash payout instead of the annuity. After mandatory state and federal tax withholdings totaling 27.125%, she will receive a lump sum of $728,750.

She said she plans to use the money to pay off her home.

The $300 Million Diamond Dazzler scratch-off is one of the Ohio Lottery’s $20 games, offering a top prize of $80,000 annually for 25 years. As of Monday, nine top prizes remain unclaimed.

Since its inception in 1974, the Ohio Lottery has contributed over $34 billion to public education across the state.

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Key Points

A Metamora woman won $1 million after scanning a scratch-off ticket she thought was a loser
She chose the cash option and will receive $728,750 after taxes
The winning ticket was purchased at T Mart on East Main Street in Metamora

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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