'Am I reading this right?' Man turns $1 ticket into $273,520 jackpot
William Evans had a good feeling about playing Multiplier Mania, a digital jackpot game with tickets starting at 50 cents, according to a press release from NC Education Lottery.
A player must match several digital "symbols" to win the top prize, state lottery officials said.
With hopes of turning his good feeling into cash, Evans played for $1 on July 23 and won the top level "Gold Jackpot," which has a 1 in 40 million chance of being won.
"Something just told me to play that one," Evans told the lottery. "I'm stoked."
Evans, who was relaxing at home in his recliner, learned his gut instinct was spot on, because he had just won $273,520.
"I was like, 'Am I reading this right," Evans said. "It was kind of nerve-racking."
Jackpot winner plans to buy a home with winnings
Evans, who claimed his prize July 25, took home $196, 251 after state and federal taxes were deducted. He plans to use the prize money to buy himself a piece of property.
'I want to have my own place,' Evans told state lottery officials.
Digital instant games, like the one Evans won, are played exclusively on the lottery's website, or on the NC Lottery Official Mobile app.
Where to buy lottery tickets
Lottery tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050(MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
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