Ohio Lottery Awards Two 1 Million Dollar Scratch Off Prizes

Two scratch-off tickets sold in Ohio delivered top prizes equivalent to $1 million each, with one claimed by Olmsted Township resident Justin Apathy and the other by The Sunshine Holdings II Trust. Announced on October 12, 2026, both winners chose a $500,000 lump-sum payment, leaving each with $366,250 after mandatory tax withholding, according to the Ohio Lottery.

Apathy won the top prize in the $50 VIP Millions game after purchasing four tickets in one day. The Ohio Lottery said the prize offered $40,000 annually for 25 years or a one-time cash payment of $500,000.

The winning ticket was sold at Shaker’s Market Place, located at 27091 Bagley Road in Olmsted Township. After withholding 26.75% for taxes, Apathy will receive $366,250, according to the lottery.

Apathy had previously won several $100 prizes before buying the four tickets. The first three tickets from that purchase did not win, while the fourth carried the top prize.

After initially believing he had won $4,000, Apathy checked the ticket again and realized he had secured the game's largest prize. He described his reaction as he tried to process the result.

“Don’t pass out!” Apathy told himself.

The Ohio Lottery reported that Apathy had checked its website and found that five top prizes remained in VIP Millions before making his purchase. As of October 12, four top prizes remained in the game, which has overall odds of winning of 1 in 4.02.

Separately, trustee Michele Rice claimed a top prize on behalf of The Sunshine Holdings II Trust through the $20 $1,000,000 Cashword scratch-off game. The winning ticket was purchased at S & G #88, located at 8256 W. Central Ave. in Toledo, according to the Ohio Lottery.

The trust's prize also offered $40,000 annually for 25 years or a $500,000 lump sum. The trust selected the lump-sum option and will receive $366,250 after the required 26.75% tax withholding.

As of October 12, the Ohio Lottery reported that one top prize remained in the $1,000,000 Cashword game.