Columbus, Ohio – A long-standing family tradition turned into a six-figure surprise for a Columbus man after a holiday scratch-off gift delivered far more than anyone expected.
Each year, the man’s father buys Ohio Lottery scratch-off tickets for family members to tuck into their Christmas stockings. This past holiday season, that familiar ritual took an unexpected turn when the man scratched off a Holiday Lucky Times 10 ticket and noticed what appeared to be a single $10,000 win. At first, he thought his luck had peaked.
But as he kept scratching, the surprise grew.
A holiday tradition turns into a six-figure win
After spotting the first “$10,000” on the ticket, the man continued revealing numbers. “They just kept on coming,” he said, describing the moment as each matching prize appeared. His father, who had purchased the ticket, soon leaned in closer as the wins added up.
By the time the ticket was fully scratched, the family realized just how rare the moment was. The ticket contained ten matching Holiday numbers, resulting in a total prize of $100,000. What began as a routine stocking stuffer quickly became a life-changing moment shared between father and son.
After mandatory state and federal taxes totaling 26.75%, the winner will take home $73,250.
The winning ticket was purchased at The Kroger Co. #591, located at 350 Broad St. in Pataskala, a store now tied to a memorable family moment.
About the winning game and lottery impact
Holiday Lucky Times 10 is a $5 scratch-off game with a top prize of $100,000. The game offers overall odds of winning of 1 in 3.58, making it one of the more favorable options for players seeking frequent prizes. As of January 26, 2026, three top prizes remain unclaimed, according to lottery officials.
The win also highlights the broader role of the Ohio Lottery, which has contributed more than $34 billion to education since 1974. Lottery proceeds help support schools and educational programs across the state, turning everyday play into long-term public benefit.
For this Columbus family, a simple holiday habit created a memory that will last far longer than the season itself — proof that sometimes tradition really does pay off.
