Youngstown man wins top lotto instant game prize

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Ohio Lottery Commission reported a Youngstown man won a $2 million top prize in an instant game this week.

Peter Gross Jr., 65, of Youngstown won $2 million on a 100x the Money instant scratch card he purchased from the Austintown Giant Eagle one evening earlier this week.

He said this isn’t the first time he’s won on the game. He won $1,000 on a lottery scratch card six weeks ago.

“I was just grocery shopping and never in a second thought I could win more than that $1,000 I got a few weeks back,” Gross said. “I was in shock and disbelief.”

Marie Kilbane, public information officer for the Ohio Lottery Commission, confirmed that Gross made a claim for the prize at the Youngstown office Tuesday.

After the Ohio Lottery Commission takes out taxes, Kilbane said Gross will receive $71,000 a year for 20 years from the winning card.

Gross said he plans to use the money to pay off bills and to buy a new home in the area.

Kilbane said the 100x the Money game costs $20, and there is a one in 1.5 million chance at getting the top prize. Gross said he plays that particular game about twice a week.

Kilbane said there are additional chances to win a top prize from the card through a drawing where the odds of winning are 1 in 2,000. She said Gross will receive his first $71,000 check in three to six weeks.