North Carolina Man Wins $150,000 Powerball Prize After Nearly Skipping Ticket Purchase
WINGATE, N.C. — Stanley Thompson, a resident of Wingate, North Carolina, almost missed out on a $150,000 Powerball prize after hesitating to purchase a ticket for the December 10 drawing. Thompson revealed to officials from the North Carolina Education Lottery that he was undecided about buying the ticket online but ultimately made the purchase at the last moment. The $3 ticket matched four white balls and the Powerball, initially awarding him $50,000. However, the prize was tripled to $150,000 thanks to the 3X multiplier, a feature Thompson said he was glad he opted to play.
“I almost didn’t buy it but I decided to at the last minute,” Thompson said. “I like to play when the jackpot starts growing and getting big.” His experience underscores the unpredictable nature of lottery games, where a split-second decision can lead to a significant financial windfall. The Powerball game, operated by the Multi-State Lottery Association, has long been a source of excitement and hope for players nationwide.
Thompson admitted it took some time for the reality of his win to fully sink in. “It’s starting to sink in more now,” he said. “It’s very satisfying.” The winner plans to use his prize money to pay bills and invest for the future, reflecting a practical approach to newfound wealth.
The Powerball game has seen numerous stories of unexpected winners in recent years. For example, a Michigan man recently won a record-breaking $32.91 million Lotto 47 jackpot after playing the same numbers for two decades, as reported by Michigan Lottery. Similarly, Illinois residents have also enjoyed substantial lottery wins, such as a $350,000 prize awarded during the Christmas Day drawing.
Lottery officials encourage players to always play responsibly and to verify their tickets promptly. The USA.gov lottery resource page provides guidance on claiming prizes and understanding lottery rules across states. Thompson’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, fortune favors those who take a chance—even if only at the last minute.
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