Chapel Hill Man Turns $5 Scratch-Off Into $200,000 Prize
Quick Facts
| Prize Won | $200,000 |
| Cash Taken Home | $144,001 |
| Ticket Price | $5 |
| Location | Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
Kevin Valdez of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, turned a $5 scratch-off ticket into a $200,000 top prize on the “$200,000 Taxes Paid” game.
Valdez claimed his prize at North Carolina Lottery headquarters and took home $144,001 after federal and state tax withholdings — a 40,000x return on his original investment.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Winner | Kevin Valdez |
| Hometown | Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Orange County) |
| Prize | $200,000 |
| Net After Taxes | $144,001 |
| Game | $200,000 Taxes Paid |
| Ticket Price | $5 |
| Return Multiple | 40,000x |
The Winning Ticket
The “$200,000 Taxes Paid” game lives up to its name by covering the winner’s tax bill on the prize. This unique feature makes the net payout more attractive than a standard $200,000 prize in many other games.
Valdez followed proper claiming procedures and received his winnings at NC Lottery headquarters.
Game & North Carolina Market Context
The $200,000 Taxes Paid game competes in North Carolina’s busy $5 price tier. North Carolina scratch-off players benefit from solid overall odds on many games and a relatively player-friendly tax rate of 5.75%.
With many active games across price points, North Carolina continues to offer strong options for players looking for value.
→ See which North Carolina scratch-offs currently offer the best remaining prizes and EV:
North Carolina Scratch-Off Rankings (Updated Daily)
What This Win Means for Players
While $200,000 is not a $5 million jackpot, it is still a life-changing amount — especially when the game covers the taxes. The “Taxes Paid” mechanic is a popular feature that increases the real-world value of the prize.
Smaller top prizes like this one are claimed more frequently, so the remaining prize pools on these games tend to deplete faster than ultra-high-tier titles.
Pro tip: The $5 tier in North Carolina has dozens of options. Use the Scratchers Paradise rankings to compare which $5 games currently have the most value remaining — EV and remaining top prizes shift daily.
How to Claim in North Carolina
- Sign the back of your ticket immediately.
- Prizes over certain thresholds are claimed at NC Lottery headquarters in Raleigh.
- You have 180 days from the game’s end date to claim.
- North Carolina allows winners to remain anonymous in many cases.
Play Responsibly
Every ticket has the same odds. Big or small, lottery wins are never guaranteed. Play for entertainment only.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- North Carolina Education Lottery winner announcement
- Scratchers Paradise live North Carolina data
Related
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from official state lottery sources and news reports. ScratchersParadise is not affiliated with any state lottery commission. Lottery games are games of chance. Please play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
