NEW CARLISLE, Ohio — Paul Hayes suspected something was up when the Ohio Lottery Commission asked him to come to their Dayton office but would not tell him why.
Hayes, a regular lottery player, had recently won $2,500 in a $20 scrach-off game called "$2 Million Anniversary."
As a scratch-off winner, his card was then automatically entered into a drawing for the game's top prize of $2 million.
So, Thursday, June 10, Hayes, 65, drove from his home in New Carlisle to the lottery commission's Dayton office. The lottery's promotions manager, Allison Turner, had a table set up for what appeared to be an interview. Local media was gathered to observe.
He was already rocking back and forth and smiling and nodding his head with approval when Turner gave him a check showing he had won the top prize.
He wasn't shocked, he said, but humbled by his good fortune.
"There was a reason that [Promotions Manager Allison Turner] called," Hayes said. "I really didn't know the drawing was coming until we received a letter a couple weeks ago."
Hayes purchased the scratch-off ticket from the Meijer store on Hillcrest Avenue in Springfield in January 2008. The game Hayes won made him eligible for the top prize drawing of $2 million.
Hayes said he doesn't have any plans for the money right now but still plans to play the lottery.
"I think I'd be foolish not to," he said.
Hayes has the option of taking a one-time payment of $690,000 after taxes or annual payments over 26 years.
WOW! What a Welcome Surprise!
Best of Luck in Future Wins!
Congratulations to Mr. Hayes! WTG!
How nice to happen to you ! Congratulations
Very cool. Congrats, to Mr. Hayes!
Sounds like an ambush, he had no choice but to appear at the press conference. Now everybody knows he won $2M.
I didn't realize they had drawings so long after tickets are purchased.
I was thinking the same.
Would be ironic if he decided to sue them for not giving the opportunity to opt out of the media frenzy.
Congrats to him though, that is outstanding.
Buy a ticket in january 2008 and win in june 2010? Now that's what I call a bolt of lightening on a blue sky day, totally unexpected.
I wish California do these kind of things but California is too cheap on Lotto game.
He just win $690,000 ,not 2 million dollars.....
How are you figuring? Are you saying he's in 70% tax bracket?
Congratulations to him.
The grass always look greener in another state. When you have only one 5/5+0 winner in your MegaMillions and he gets more than $250K, players in other states think California looks greener.
Congrats! Be wise bankrupt. Lol, that should be the lotto mantra "Be wise or bankrupt."
Congrats to the winner !
I am hoping for some congrats to me !
My best to all on Lottery Post !
Waiting to go Green ...................... with money !
these guys said that they would help me with my investments !?!?!