Ohio Woman Wins $40,000 Annually for 25 Years After Clerk’s Lucky Ticket Pick

24 February 2026 Bizarre

WADSWORTH, Ohio — A routine stop at a local gas station turned into a life-changing moment for a Lorain County woman who won a $40,000 annual prize for 25 years on a scratch-off lottery ticket selected by a store clerk. The woman, who chose to remain anonymous, purchased the $30 Extreme Millions ticket at Saini Stores Sunoco on Akron Road North after the clerk encouraged her to try that particular game. “Pick this one. It’s probably a winner,” the clerk told her, according to statements made to Ohio Lottery officials.

Initially hesitant due to the ticket’s price, the woman relented and bought the ticket. She and her husband scratched it off in their car, revealing the substantial prize. Excited, the couple returned inside to share the news with the clerk, confirming the ticket’s value of $40,000 a year for 25 years. The woman opted to take the prize as a lump sum payment of $500,000, which she plans to use toward purchasing new vehicles and strengthening her savings.

The Ohio Lottery’s Extreme Millions game has been a popular scratch-off option, offering large annuity prizes that can be taken as lump sums. The Ohio Lottery Commission, which oversees these games, ensures winners receive their claims promptly and securely. More information about Ohio Lottery games and winners can be found on the official Ohio Lottery website.

Lottery winnings of this scale often bring significant financial relief and opportunities for winners. According to the Internal Revenue Service, lottery winnings are taxable income, and winners should plan accordingly to manage their newfound wealth.

This story follows other recent notable lottery wins, including an Ohio man who accidentally bought a ticket for the wrong drawing but still won $50,000. The USA Today report highlights how luck can come in unexpected ways.

Lottery ticket sales and prize claims are regulated by state gaming commissions to ensure fairness and transparency. The Ohio Casino Control Commission provides oversight and maintains integrity in the state’s gaming activities.

For many, a lottery win offers a chance to improve their financial standing, but experts advise winners to seek professional financial and legal advice to manage their winnings wisely. The Ohio Lottery encourages responsible play and offers resources for those who may need assistance, details of which are available on their website.

As the woman from Lorain County enjoys her unexpected fortune, her story serves as a reminder of the small moments that can lead to big changes, especially when a friendly tip from a store clerk turns into a $500,000 jackpot.

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Maya Chen reports on international politics, conflict and diplomacy. She specializes in explaining how global events shape U.S. security, trade and migration, and how decisions made abroad ripple into life at home.
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