Lucky Feeling Leads Johnston County Man To $10 Million Prize

RALEIGH – Jeremy Wilson of the Willow Spring community in Johnston County got a life-changing stroke of luck Wednesday night when a $50 scratch-off revealed a $10 million top prize.

“I only buy $50 tickets when I’m feeling lucky,” he said.

Wilson, 20, bought his lucky $10 Million Spectacular ticket from North River Tobacco Barn on Caratoke Highway in Jarvisburg. He then scratched the ticket in the store.

“It was a crazy feeling,” Wilson said recalling his winning moment. “I couldn’t control myself.”

He said he told his mom right away what happened.

“She thought I was joking,” he laughed.

Wilson’s big win marks the third $10 million win in North Carolina so far this year.

When Wilson arrived Thursday to collect his winnings, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive his prize as an annuity of $500,000 a year over 20 years or a lump sum of $6 million. He chose the lump sum of $6 million and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $4,305,014.

Wilson plans to take his mom on a trip for her birthday and save the rest of his winnings.

The $10 Million Spectacular game debuted in December 2023 with five top prizes of $10 million, 20 prizes of $1 million and 20 prizes of $100,000. Since Wilson won the last $10 million top prize, the lottery will begin the process of ending the game.