Pick 4 players win record $7.5 million payout

When the combination 1-1-1-1 was drawn Saturday night, Pick 4 players won the largest payout in the game's history: $7.5 million. It marks the first time the combination 1-1-1-1 has ever appeared in a Carolina Pick 4 drawing, and the fifth time a 'quad' has been drawn since the game began in April 2009.

A total of 1,995 Pick 4 tickets matched all four numbers Saturday night to win prizes of $2,500 or $5,000. NCEL players who win $600 or more must claim their prize money at one of the lottery's regional claim centers in Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Raleigh, or Wilmington.

Many players have already arrived at claim centers to collect their winnings. Caryl Coblentz of Etowah, North Carolina cashed in a pair of Pick 4 tickets worth $5,000 each at the Asheville claim center. Coblentz said she was "extremely happy" when she found out she won, "because it payed for the balance of my son's freshman year at school."

Pick 4 players at the Raleigh claim center lined up for their prize money. “When I saw the three ones come up, I said ‘here we go’," said one lucky winner. “Then the last one came up and I had to check my ticket again. I won $2500. I’m so grateful. This came right on time.”

Winning a big prize is exciting and the lottery understands many players want to collect their winnings right away. But the lottery reminds winners that they have 180 days to claim prizes. If you do come to a regional claim center on Monday or Tuesday of this week, it may take more time than usual to process the claim due to the large number of winners.

Players must bring a Photo ID and proof of their Social Security number to complete their claims. There is more information about how to claim on our website.

The record Pick 4 prize amount of $7,500,000 came just hours after Pick 3 players won $1,675,000 on the combination 7-7-7 in the afternoon drawing. Congratulations to the winners and best of luck to everyone in future drawings.