RIPLEY, Ohio – Ron Lang, a Georgetown resident who works as a maintenance worker and part-time farmer, won a $1.6 million Queen of Hearts jackpot at Brookies Bar in Ripley on July 9, 2025. The raffle-style game, which captivated the region for nearly a year, drew thousands to the small Ohio river town as the prize grew from $25,000 to over $1.5 million.
The Queen of Hearts game involves players purchasing tickets and selecting a numbered card from a board, hoping it reveals the Queen of Hearts. Ron Lang’s winning ticket, drawn on Wednesday night, matched card number 50, securing the $1.6 million prize after two other cards were flipped without success. Lang, who had only six tickets with the number 50, was the third name called during the final drawing.
“I’m going to do things a lot different,” Ron Lang said moments after winning. He plans to buy a new truck and take a long vacation with his wife, Sue.
Game Mechanics and Community Impact
Ron Lang’s victory marked the end of a 50-week run of the Queen of Hearts at Brookies Bar. Each week, a ticket was drawn, and a card was revealed. If the Queen of Hearts was not found, the jackpot grew, attracting crowds from Ohio, Kentucky, and beyond. By July 2025, ticket sales reached 80,000 per day, forcing the bar to halt sales on July 7 to manage the volume.
“Never would have dreamed it,” said Darrin Brookbank, owner of Brookies Bar. “It’s good for the town, it’s good for the businesses around town.”
The game boosted Ripley’s economy, with local businesses benefiting from the influx of visitors. However, the crowds strained parking and logistics, prompting Brookbank to urge attendees to respect local businesses and avoid blocking entrances.
Ron Lang’s Journey to Victory
Ron Lang, a 69-year-old farmer and carpenter, spent $3,000 on tickets over the course of the game, waiting in line for hours on July 7 and 8 to purchase them. He and Sue were sitting near their car when his name was called, rushing through the crowd to claim the prize within the five-minute time limit.
“I ain’t got much for words,” Ron Lang said, reflecting on his win. He plans to retire from his maintenance job at a Georgetown apartment complex and his side work cutting lawns.
Background and Future Plans
The Queen of Hearts game began with a $25,000 pot, growing as no winner emerged. On July 2, the jackpot was $1.2 million, but no Queen was found, setting the stage for Ron Lang’s win. Brookies Bar announced the next game will start with a $166,500 pot.
Ron Lang’s win has put Ripley, a town of 1,583, on the map. The prize, paid in cash, awaits collection, with Lang responsible for taxes.
