$500,000 lottery ticket winner sold in Ohio

OHIO — A local resident has claimed a $500,000 top prize after playing his favorite Ohio Lottery Scratch-Off game, $500,000 Cashword.

“$500,000 Cashword is my favorite game,” the winner said. “I don’t care if I lose.”

But this time, luck was on his side. After purchasing the winning ticket at Ohio Pike Marathon, located at 1723 East Ohio Pike in Amelia, he scratched his way to a life-changing prize.

“I counted the words and kind of choked,” he recalled. “I walked inside and asked the clerk to scan the ticket. She looked at me and said, ‘Oh, congratulations!’”

Following mandatory state and federal taxes totaling 28 percent, he will take home $360,000.

A frequent customer at Ohio Pike Marathon, the winner said he enjoys visiting a few different retailers but is especially fond of the store where he bought the lucky ticket.

“They’re great people,” he said, noting that he grew up nearby and knows the staff well.

He plans to use the money to pay off debt and share his good fortune with friends and family.

$500,000 Cashword is a $10 scratch-off game offering a top prize of $500,000. As of June 4, three top prizes remain unclaimed.

Since 1974, the Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $33 billion to support education across the state. For more information, visit www.ohiolottery.com/supportingeducation.