An Olmsted Township man has claimed a $1 million top prize on the Ohio Lottery's $50 VIP Millions scratch-off game, lottery officials announced on Monday, October 12. The winner, identified as Justin Apathy, purchased the winning ticket at Shaker's Market Place, located at 27091 Bagley Road in Olmsted Township.
The game's $1 million jackpot typically pays $40,000 annually for 25 years, but Apathy opted for the one-time lump sum cash payment of $500,000. After mandatory tax withholdings of 26.75%, he received $355,250.
Apathy stated that he checked the Ohio Lottery website and noted that five top prizes remained in the game. Hoping for a big win, he purchased four tickets in a single day.
While the first three were unsuccessful, the fourth proved to be a winner. Initially, he believed he had won $4,000, but upon re-examining the ticket, he realized he had secured the top prize.
He described the moment as overwhelming, noting that he had to keep telling himself not to pass out. Apathy plans to invest his winnings.
VIP Millions is a $50 scratch-off game with overall odds of winning any prize at 1 in 4.02. As of October 12, 2026, four top prizes remain unclaimed.