James Barker of Millers Creek took a chance on a $5 scratch-off and won a $200,000 top prize.
Barker bought his lucky Spicy Hot Riches ticket from the Murphy Express on U.S. 421 in Wilkesboro.
He arrived at lottery headquarters Monday to claim his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $143,501.
The Spicy Hot Riches game debuted in May with four $200,000 top prizes. Two $200,000 prizes remain to be claimed.
Education programs in Wilkes County received $4.3 million in support from lottery funds last year. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.