A quick stop for a lottery ticket in Columbus Grove just turned into a six-figure score for one very fortunate Putnam County man.
He claimed a $150,000 top prize on the Ohio Lottery's $5 Aces and 8's scratch-off ticket. After mandatory state and federal tax withholdings, his actual payout will drop to roughly $109,875, which is still a pretty solid return on a five-dollar flutter.
The Ohio Lottery confirmed the win and said the lucky ticket was purchased at Tabler's Drive Thru in Columbus Grove, according to Shore News Network. Officials did not release any additional information about the winner, so for now, the newly minted winner stays anonymous.
How Much The Winner Takes Home
Ohio lottery prizes are subject to both state and federal withholdings that total 26.75 percent. On a $150,000 win, that automatic haircut trims the take-home amount to about $109,875 before any further tax filing comes into play. Spectrum News 1 has previously cited that same 26.75 percent rate in coverage of another recent Ohio lottery claim.
About the Ticket
Aces and 8's is a $5 scratch-off game that offers a $150,000 top prize, according to the Ohio Lottery's retailer magazine. As reported by Shore News Network, the game still had three top prizes remaining as of Wednesday, so there is more money on the table for other hopeful players.
Where the Money Goes
The Ohio Lottery directs its profits to K-12 education across the state. Since 1974, those transfers have totaled more than $34 billion for schools, a figure frequently highlighted in local coverage. Outlets such as Scioto Post regularly reference the lottery's running contribution to education funding.
Recent winners have run the gamut from modest five-figure scratch-off prizes to massive multi-million dollar jackpots. In one high-profile example this spring, WLWT reported that a $60 million Mega Millions prize was claimed in Ohio, showing just how wide the range of outcomes can be for lottery players.
