$1 million lottery ticket winner sold in Ohio

OHIO — A lucky Ohio Lottery player has won the $1 million top prize on the VIP Millions scratch-off ticket.

The winner purchased his ticket at In N Out Smoke Shop and Carryout, located at 5020 Gender Rd in Canal Winchester. When he realized he had won, he was stunned.

“I was like, ‘oh, my goodness,’” he said.

Instead of celebrating in the store, he decided to quietly head to his car.

“I scanned it again to see if that was the case, and it ended up being a good amount, and I went ‘wow,’” he added.

The winner chose the cash option of $500,000, which after federal and state tax withholdings, will amount to approximately $360,000.

VIP Millions is a $50 scratch-off game with a top prize of $40,000 a year for 25 years.

As of March 21, there are still 42 top prizes remaining.

As for what he plans to do with his winnings, the winner is still considering his options. He is thinking about either starting a business or making a wise investment.

Since its inception in 1974, the Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $33 billion to education. More information on the Ohio Lottery and its impact on education can be found at www.ohiolottery.com/supportingeducation.