A Cleveland drive-thru has officially gone from convenience stop to jackpot landmark after an Ultimate $5,000,000 scratch-off ticket hit the game’s top payout, which is $200,000 a year for 25 years, the Ohio Lottery’s full $5 million prize. The winning ticket was claimed Friday by a trust that chose to take the 25-year annuity instead of a lump sum. After mandatory state and local withholdings of 26.75 percent, the trust’s projected total comes out to about $3,662,500.
Winner Picks Years Of Checks As Taxes Take Their Bite
According to FOX 8, the Ohio Lottery’s release says the winning ticket was sold at AJ’s Drive Thru at 10301 St. Clair Ave., and that the ticket was claimed by a trust that elected the 25-year annuity option. The release also notes that after the 26.75 percent in mandatory state and local taxes, the trust will receive roughly $3,662,500 over the life of the prize.
What Retailers Should Know
Winners of large instant-game prizes have to validate their tickets with the Ohio Lottery and follow regional office procedures, and the retailers who sell those top-prize tickets can qualify for selling bonuses under Lottery rules. For full details on how to claim and for retail guidance, check the Ohio Lottery’s claim page at Ohio Lottery.
Game Status And Remaining Top Prizes
Independent trackers report that the Ultimate $5,000,000 game originally offered six top prizes. As of April 30, three of those original top prizes were still unclaimed, according to ScratchersParadise. In other words, half of the top prizes have already been claimed since the game’s rollout…