Retired Ohio Fireman Wins $160K Lottery Prize on Mother-in-Law's Birthday

The man played the same five numbers for years before hitting the jackpot in late February.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A retired Ohio fireman named J.R. won the $160,000 Rolling Cash 5 jackpot on February 26, 2026, which happened to be his mother-in-law's birthday. J.R. had been playing the same five numbers for years, which were special to him because they referenced birthdays in his family.

Why it matters

This story highlights the persistence and luck involved in playing the lottery, as well as the personal significance that numbers can hold for players. J.R.'s win comes at a fortuitous time as he plans to use the winnings to help his daughter with her wedding and take his family on celebratory trips.

The details

J.R.'s winning numbers were 1-2-26-30-31, with the number 2 representing his grandson's birth month, and 26 being the birthdate of both his dad and mother-in-law. He happened to win the jackpot on his mother-in-law's birthday. After taxes, J.R. will receive $117,200 in winnings.

  • J.R. won the $160,000 Rolling Cash 5 jackpot on February 26, 2026.
  • J.R. has been playing the same five numbers for years.

The players

J.R.

A retired fireman from Dublin, Ohio who won the $160,000 Rolling Cash 5 jackpot.

J.R.'s mother-in-law

Her birthday was the date that J.R. won the lottery jackpot.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In life, sometimes you just don't know when good fortune will come your way.”

— J.R., Retired Fireman

What’s next

J.R. plans to use his winnings to help his daughter with her upcoming wedding and take his family on celebratory trips, including one to celebrate his 60th birthday and another to celebrate his retirement from the fire department.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the power of persistence and personal significance when it comes to playing the lottery. J.R.'s long-running use of family birthdays as his lucky numbers finally paid off, allowing him to provide for his family and celebrate important milestones.