Wake County Man Wins $1 Million on $10 Scratch-Off

A Fuquay-Varina man is $432,063 richer after a $10 scratch-off ticket turned into a $1 million top prize, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery.

The Win

Jared Smith of Fuquay-Varina scratched his way to a $1,000,000 top prize on a $10 scratch-off ticket purchased in Wake County. Smith claimed his winnings through the North Carolina Education Lottery and elected to receive a one-time lump sum payment of $600,000 rather than the full prize paid out over time. After federal and state tax withholdings, Smith walked away with $432,063 in hand.

What This Means for Players

Smith’s win is a reminder that $10 scratch-offs sit in a sweet spot for North Carolina players — the tickets carry higher price points than entry-level games but also tend to offer better odds and larger top prizes. North Carolina scratch-off players should note that the lump sum option typically equals 60% of the advertised jackpot before taxes, meaning the actual take-home on a $1 million prize can be significantly lower once federal and state withholdings are applied.

Pro tip: Before you buy, check the NC scratch-off game pages to compare remaining top prizes and overall odds across active $10 games — some tickets stay on shelves long after major prizes have already been claimed.

How to Claim

• Prizes up to $600 can be claimed at any authorized NC Education Lottery retailer.
• Prizes between $601 and $99,999 must be claimed at an NC Education Lottery district office or by mail.
• Prizes of $100,000 or more, including top prizes like Smith’s, must be claimed in person at NC Education Lottery headquarters in Raleigh.
• Winners have 180 days from the game’s end date — or 90 days from the date printed on the ticket for some games — to claim their prize, so check your ticket’s terms promptly.

Play Responsibly

Scratch-off tickets are a form of gambling and should be played for entertainment within a budget you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, free and confidential help is available.

Call the National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER.

Sources

• North Carolina Education Lottery — official winner announcement