North Carolina resident claims $250,000 Cash 5 lottery prize, aided by a friend's suggestion.
In an unexpected turn of events, a Durham resident named Dennis Whicker has become the latest big winner in the North Carolina Education Lottery. Whicker's life was changed forever after he purchased a lottery ticket following a successful day at the bowling alley.
Whicker, who scored an impressive 777 during his bowling game, was advised by his friend to try his luck with a lottery ticket. Little did he know that this simple piece of advice would lead to a life-changing moment.
The lucky ticket in question was a $1 Quick Pick ticket for the Carolina Cash 5 game, purchased from Blalock's Convenience Store on Roxboro Road in Durham. When the numbers on his ticket were checked, Whicker was overjoyed to discover that they matched correctly all five numbers from a recent drawing, earning him a payout of $246,222.
The Carolina Cash 5 game is a popular daily lottery where players pick 5 numbers from 1 to 43. Players win by matching 2 or more numbers, and the jackpot is won by matching all 5 numbers drawn. The odds of winning the top prize (matching all 5 numbers) in Cash 5 are approximately 1 in 962,598.
Whicker's jackpot prize of $246,222 is a reasonably substantial payout for the game. Players can add features like Double Play, which gives a second chance to win with the same numbers in a separate drawing, and EZ Match, which can add instant prizes on top of your Cash 5 ticket.
However, Whicker's winnings are subject to state and federal taxes. The federal government withholds 24% from prizes over $5,000, and state taxes also apply, reducing the take-home amount. As a result, Whicker collected a sum of $176,665 after taxes were applied to his jackpot win.
Whicker plans to use his winnings for home repairs, a common choice among lottery winners looking to improve their living conditions. While specific details about his personal plans were not available, it is clear that this win has made a significant impact on his life.
The North Carolina Education Lottery offers a range of prizes every night through its Carolina Cash 5 game, with the top jackpot prize starting at $100,000. The jackpot continues to grow until won by a player.
Players interested in participating in the Carolina Cash 5 game can purchase a ticket at an authorized retailer, select 5 numbers, and optionally add Double Play or EZ Match for additional chances to win. For those who dream of winning a life-changing jackpot like Dennis Whicker, the lottery offers a fun and exciting way to test their luck.
In light of his big win, Dennis Whicker is now considering using his winnings to make home repairs, as he aims to improve his living conditions. Additionally, Whicker's life-changing moment came from playing the Carolina Cash 5 game at the casino and gambling, specifically a lottery ticket he purchased following a successful day at the bowling alley.