RALEIGH – Retired Marine Master Sgt. William Allen of Jacksonville is the latest player to claim a jackpot in the Carolina Cash 5 game. He matched all five numbers in the Nov. 17, 2014 Carolina Cash 5 drawing to win the $127,360 jackpot.

Allen purchased the lucky Quick Pick ticket at Whizz Mart on Richlands Highway in Jacksonville.

“It felt great to win,” Allen said. “I’m happy.”

After state and federal taxes were withheld, Allen collected a check for $88,197. He beat odds of 1 in 575,757 to win the jackpot. The jackpot for the Thursday, April 2 Cash 5 drawing is $62,000.

Ticket sales made it possible for the lottery to raise more than half a billion for the state last year. North Carolina Education Lottery net proceeds will be used this year to help pay salaries of teachers and teacher assistants, for pre-kindergarten programs for at-risk four-year-olds, school construction and repair, and need-based college scholarships and financial aid.

For details on how more than $55 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Onslow County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.