OHIO — A man from Ironton is celebrating a life-changing win after purchasing a $30 Royal Riches scratch-off ticket that turned out to be worth $2 million.
The winning ticket was bought on October 22 at Lucky Choice, located at 577 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, in Columbus. The winner, identified only as “J.,” said he was stunned when he realized he had hit the top prize.
“Oh my God, is this real?” J. recalled asking himself. He said he double-checked the ticket with a magnifying glass and even sent a photo to a family member to confirm the win.
J., who frequently plays Pick 3 and other scratch-offs, said he often uses a family “formula” to choose his numbers, based on detailed notes tracking past results. Although he’s had smaller wins before, this is his biggest prize yet.
He opted for the cash payout and will receive $728,750 after state and federal taxes. J. plans to share some of his winnings with his family and church and to buy a new vehicle.
As of October 28, four top prizes and ten second-tier prizes remain for Royal Riches.
The Ohio Lottery reports it has contributed more than $34 billion to education since 1974. More information about Royal Riches and other lottery games can be found at www.ohiolottery.com.
