First BBQ Bucks promotion winners get $50 gift cards

September 14, 2015 Posted by NC Lottery at 4:50 PM

It’s been a fun two weeks since the debut of BBQ Bucks, our first-ever scented scratch-off ticket. Beyond cash prizes of up to $25,000 and the 1,000 lbs. of Pork Giveaway second-chance drawing, we wanted to turn the heat up just a little more – and offer even more chances to win.

So we’ve invited folks on social media to weigh in on our state’s age-old debate: Which N.C. BBQ is best, East or West? Just for voting on Facebook and Twitter (you can vote on both sites once a day), we’re awarding ten $50 gift cards and BBQ Bucks T-shirt to lucky winners for each of four weeks in September, for a total of 40 BBQ Bucks prize pack winners.

Here are the first week’s winners for the drawing held Sept. 8:

- Kimberely Crump of Connelly Springs
- Mark DiGregorio of Beaufort
- Ralph Fernandez of Sanford
- John Fevoli of Fletcher
- Mindy Garner of Newport
- Jeff Hedgepeth of Franklinton
- Nita Litaker of Concord
- Michele Tidd of Castle Hayne
- Katie Tomberlin of Newport
- David Vermilyea of Cary

Of the ten winners, nine voted for the vinegar-based variety.

“I love the Eastern style the best, because you can’t beat the heat and tanginess all at once,” explained Michele Tidd, a UNC-Wilmington student.

The lone vote cast for Western style from among the winners came from Kimbereley Crump who, unsurprisingly, lives in a small town about an hour west of Lexington where the tomato-based BBQ gets its namesake.

The East is leading in the tally so far, but the voting continues, and so will the winning. You have until midnight Sunday to cast your vote and your next chance to win.

You’re welcome to share your favorite style here in the Lucke-Zone, but remember: Only eligible votes cast on Facebook and Twitter count!

Pictured: BBQ Bucks prize pack winner Kathryn Tomberlin of Newport.

83 COMMENTS

9/24/2015 11:38 - Angela S.

Large areas like Raleigh are not the only ones purchasing many tickets. The small areas are to. It seems poor areas are the one not win anything. Where Raleigh has had many winner. Little towns like Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Princeville and so on get one big winner ever blue moon. There was a local store that had winners all the time but it seem it does not any more. I feel is because it is now known it is located in one of those poor little towns.

9/23/2015 10:36 - ADELAIDA S.

I have posted an inquiry about how winners in the second chance drawing are picked. Up to now I have not receive any reply, I am just wondering how, please let me know....congrats to all the winners..hopefully I will be the next big second chance winner...thank you...NC Lottery
Every time you ask, we reply. It is possible that you are not checking back for our response on the same blog where you originally posted. Check back through some of our previous blogs :-) The winners in Lucke-Rewards and game-specific second-chance drawings are determined using a random number generator. Every entry has the same chance of winning as any other entry. Good luck!

9/23/2015 09:47 - Debbie B.

Why has the winner of the Trucks and Bucks not been posted? This drawing was held 9.2.2015.

9/22/2015 11:19 - Stephen R.

What about the trucks n bucks winner? The newest one still not posted . Makes me wonder if I won and you guys are holding back. What's up ?NC Lottery
Winners are announced as soon as they complete the claim process. We know why folks want to know, we post winner information as soon as we can!

9/22/2015 09:52 - Angela S.

I am ready disappointed in the percentage of losing tickets in Rocky Mount. I purchased 10 $10 ticket in a roll and did not win one penny. It is ready sad. I am just donating money to nc lottery for the winners in Raleigh area and coastal region. I agree with Player Said. No winner here. One every blue moon. And as for pick three. I have never seen so many repeats of the same number in a so call randomly pick lottery.719,197,917 all come out in same week. Random, really....

9/22/2015 02:03 - Mary H.

When you enter Trucks & Bucks scratch off tickets online it still post that it is entering on a second chance drawing. According to the website there are no more second chance drawings on this ticket. Also do you still supply the stores with the blue selves? I have asked at more than a dozen stores for months and no one has them.NC Lottery
With respect to Trucks & Bucks tickets, could you do us a favor and please click on the HELP link at the top of the screen and submit and ONLINE SUPPORT form? That is the best way to notify tech support so they can look into it. As for the playslip holders, not sure about that either; can you call customer service at 877-962-7529?

9/21/2015 10:34 - ADELAIDA S.

I SUBMITTED A QUESTION REGARDING HOW WINNERS ARE DETERMINED. DO YOU JUST RANDOMLY PICK THE PLAYERS INPUT IN THE DRAWING OR DO YOU DO A KIND RAFFLE SYSTEM WHEN YOU MIXED ALL THE NUMBERS AND FROM IT? I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW, PLEASE RESPONSE SO I WILL BE EDUCATED ON HOW WINNERS ARE CHOSEN ON THE SECOND CHANCE DRAWING...THANK YOU AND MORE POWER TO THE NCEL LOTTERY..CONGRATS TO ALL THE WINNERS...NC Lottery
The drawings are done using a random number generator (RNG). The RNG has no idea what players are in the drawings, it is just told to draw X number of winning numbers from all the entries. Good luck to you!

9/21/2015 04:45 - joan b.

i made a post yesterday why wont you post it?NC Lottery
What blog did you post it on? Chances are we did post it.

9/20/2015 11:21 - shane j.

Looks to me if you don't live in Charlotte or east. Especially closer to the Raleigh area and coastal region you don;t have a chance at winning a TOP prize in the NC lottery,,,,, PLEASE DON'T REPLY THAT ALL YOUR TICKETS ARE RANDOMLY DISTRIBUTED BECAUSE THAT'S TOTAL BS!!!!

9/20/2015 03:22 - Carol H.

Carman, not sure where you are, but 12 Bones and Luellas in Asheville both do a good beef brisket (TX style).

9/20/2015 03:15 - Carol H.

Great BBQ all over NC Ayden Skylight Inn in Ayden, Lexington BBQ in Lexington, Bridges in Shelby and 12 Bones in Asheville. Can't really pick a favorite between east and west - just depends on the mood you're in. With all the great BBQ though, why not let the 1000 lbs come from NC BBQ instead of VA?

9/20/2015 03:13 - Matthew C.

BBQ JOE'S is the BEST BBQ in the STATE!!! I know this for a fact because I WORK there and COOK it!!!! Come on in and judge for yourself!!

9/20/2015 03:02 - Iris R.

It amazes me how negative someone can be about someone esle winning a prize. I will say this now when I do win please know that I play to win just like the other winners. Congrats to all the winners and some day I will be joining the winning circle.

9/19/2015 03:40 - Greg K.

NC needs a for life numbers game like VA and SC. I would play it every drawing. SC is 1st prize $7000 a week for life and 2nd prize $25K a year for life.

9/19/2015 03:36 - Greg K.

Adding to my above comment about something fishy going on...... now the second million dollar winner also works in the store he bought??? it from.

9/19/2015 08:51 - james t.

western bbq is favored but east is reallt tasty too. southern pork rules.

9/18/2015 02:51 - Christopher P.

When will the dates be annouced for the second chance drawing for the ultimate millions.NC Lottery
It depends on ticket sales. As soon as we have a date, we'll share it with you :)

9/18/2015 12:43 - ivan p.

east east by far

9/18/2015 10:09 - richard h.

FILLED OUT SURVEY HAVE NOT REC. EXTRA POINTS.NC Lottery
Please e-mail playerinfo@lotterync.net so that someone can look into that for you.

9/18/2015 10:00 - Barbara C.

The East has the best BBQ by far, nothing else comes close.

9/18/2015 12:02 - Donnell G.

Let me guess, the store owner was a patel?? Am i right?

9/17/2015 10:17 - james c.

Please explain to me the rationale multiple wins on a given ticket paying the bare minimum payout. Example a $30 ticket with four wins on it paying only $40. Each of the four wins paying only $10 each.NC Lottery
The way the prizes work in the Ultimate Millions game are not unlike what you'd find in any other state. We're glad you won a prize on that ticket!

9/17/2015 08:48 - Leslie B.

I agree with GRTHKA...smells fishy. I know how tight the lottery reps get with their vendors/retailers.

9/17/2015 03:26 - Dennis C.

Just a note to let you folks know it is insulting to us that you want post a story about the man in Siler City winning 10 million on the new $30 card. That card is selling like hotcakes and you guys wont post the story because you know sales will fall off and suffer because of it. That story will come out on Monday after this weekend’s pay period has come and gone. You know that sells will fall off so you are delaying announcing this as long as you can. Just a note to let you know that ‘John Q public’ is smarter than you give us credit for.NC Lottery
We respect all our players and update our website every day with the top prizes remaining. The first $10 million winner is not from Siler City. We love big wins and look forward to meeting three more $10 million winners!

9/17/2015 02:59 - NC Lottery

Hey to everyone who's asked about the first $10 million winner in the Ultimate Millions game: Stay tuned!!! The prize has indeed been claimed and, as is sometimes the case with really big wins, the announcement will be made in a special way ;-) Until then, good luck to everyone!

9/17/2015 02:13 - Gregory H.

The east have the the best BBQ

9/17/2015 01:45 - Charmaine C.

East has the best bbq. Wilmington has the best to offer.

9/17/2015 12:42 - Patricia S.

BBQ Joe's in High Point, NC has the best Sauces and tender bbq! Amazing side dishes! LOVE ME SOME BBQ JOE'S!

9/17/2015 12:20 - stephane d.

As a store owner, Am I allowed to buy and claim scratch off tickets within my store. I was told that was a violation of the contract. Please clarify.NC Lottery
The lottery does not have a policy against store owners buying or claiming prizes won on tickets sold at their stores. However, some chains and independent stores have their own policies. If you have any questions, please talk to your sales rep or call customer service at 877-962-7529

9/17/2015 11:26 - shironzo m.

Idc about bbq!! I wanna kno where those 3 big winning ultimate millions tickets were sold?? This is my second time asking,and we as players deserve to kno!! Let me guess Raleigh and Fayetteville!!NC Lottery
So far the $1 million winners are from Lincolnton and Salisbury and, while we haven't announced yet where the $10 million winner is from, we can tell you it's not Raleigh or Fayetteville. Sorry for the delay in our response, we try to keep up with questions as they come in.

9/17/2015 09:18 - Deborah A.

East; At home, or Gardners.

9/17/2015 06:51 - Shonda B.

Both Bridges in Shelby NC are The BEST!

9/17/2015 02:40 - Julie S.

I would say the best bbq is made when you make it yourself because everyone has their own opinion. .Home is where the heart is.

9/17/2015 01:17 - linda o.

at home

9/17/2015 12:38 - LAURA G.

east

9/17/2015 12:08 - Greg K.

LOL, The guy that just won a million on the $30 scratch ticket owns the store he bought it from. Google his name and you find out he won a million two years ago on another scratch off from his own store. Something crooked going on.NC Lottery
The lottery does not prohibit folks who own or work at retailers from playing the lottery or winning prizes. But, as with all claims made by individuals with retail associations, this winner's questions claims were reviewed by security before the prizes were awarded.

9/16/2015 10:10 - Linda M.

The best BBQ, is at Bullocks Barbecue in Durham, NC.

9/16/2015 09:47 - Eric M.

demboyz turkey bbq

9/16/2015 09:36 - mark f.

I think the west has the best Bbq

9/16/2015 07:43 - Pat H.

Best Smithfield

9/16/2015 07:03 - charles d.

I just love BBQ period

9/16/2015 05:54 - Cynthia W.

east is best

9/16/2015 05:10 - Leslie B.

The best beef brisket is in Oaklahoma City! Off topic, but I love it when you Have been scratching all you can Afford at a local store and the store Clerks let you know you were too Late to win $1000...with a smile In their eye and on their face.

9/16/2015 03:57 - Willie D.

Wake County has the best BBQ.End of story!.

9/16/2015 03:37 - Myisha M.

BEST BBQ IS BUBBA'S BBQ IN THE QUEEN CITY CHARLOTTE N.C ??????????

9/16/2015 01:50 - James H.

The Ultimate Millions game began with four top prizes of ten million dollars. Now, there are three top prizes of ten million dollars remaining. Maybe I missed it, but I have not seen an announcement who won the first top prize in this game. Thanks for your response.

9/16/2015 12:46 - jacqueline m.

There are so many choices in the Greenville New Bern area I couldn't pick just one

9/16/2015 11:23 - Randall L.

The now closed Steve ' s BBQ in Spencer, NC, was my all time favorite. If someone had been to Steve ' s, you could smell it on them. Now, it's Hendrix BBQ in Salisbury. With cheerwine.com on tap, it can't be beat!

9/16/2015 09:53 - Teresa b.

Smithfield bar b q and chicken is the best. East coast

9/16/2015 09:00 - Sabrina R.

who is the first 10 million dollar winner on the ultimate millions?

9/16/2015 08:43 - Linda M.

My favorite Barbecue is Carolina Barbecue that I make myself at home with Vinegar, Red Pepper Flakes and Texas Pete,Chopped on a Wooden Chopping Block, it's not dry either, not a fan of pulled pork unless it's on Ribs, Vinegar base every time makes the best.

9/16/2015 08:28 - Sherry O.

The best all around BBQ is in Lexington North Carolina no doubt in my mind and I"m 48 years old. Cant beat the tanginess and the heat.

9/16/2015 07:19 - Ottis E.

Parker's BBQ Wilson, NC - the Best forever!! Same since the 1940 - 50's or longer. Eastern style and mouth watering!

9/16/2015 05:36 - Chester W.

waiting. I see the prize count for 10 million ultimate millions went down to three. did the winner came forward or you know when the ticket was scan and purchase at the store? THX.

9/16/2015 05:32 - Tommie S.

Congratulations - Kimberely Crump of Connelly Springs - Mark DiGregorio of Beaufort - Ralph Fernandez of Sanford - John Fevoli of Fletcher - Mindy Garner of Newport - Jeff Hedgepeth of Franklinton - Nita Litaker of Concord - Michele Tidd of Castle Hayne - Katie Tomberlin of Newport - David Vermilyea of Cary

9/16/2015 04:09 - Thelma B.

Carolina Barbeque in Garner

9/16/2015 02:32 - Vincent T.

Best BBQ East

9/16/2015 12:04 - Darlene D.

Best in town is Moore's BBQ, in New Bern, NC

9/15/2015 11:47 - debora K.

The best BBQ is in Elizabeth city, NC at the Smoking Grill!

9/15/2015 10:15 - Vonda W.

I think the eastern style is the best.

9/15/2015 09:56 - Michelle B.

Everyone should try Parkers bbq and Bills bbq in wilson."eastern" I have tried Hendrix bbq in lexington too and it is pretty good. I like both, but eastern just a little bit more.

9/15/2015 05:53 - ROBERT M.

bq center lexington,nc the best

9/15/2015 05:49 - Donnell G.

Player, keep an eye on First Tuesdays. The NCEL will come with a number that will pay big. The players will use that money to buy the first tuesday tickets. For instance, they came out with the 30 dollar ticket and then came out with 911 on pick 3. They needed to sell those 30 dollar tickets.

9/15/2015 05:46 - JOANN M.

I See That Some One Has Won The First 10 Million In The New Game What Area Was It Won In?

9/15/2015 05:00 - Earnest C.

Carman you can get some good smoked brisket at Adams BBQ on highway 70 west just between Princton and Goldsboro. Call ahead and reserve it because they always sell out.

9/15/2015 04:54 - Bertha T.

I think that the best barbarque is in Lexington, N.C.

9/15/2015 04:14 - James A.

Has the winner of the truck been notifiedNC Lottery
The winner has been notified.

9/15/2015 04:05 - shironzo m.

Why havent the first 10million and 1million dollars winners been posted?? Where were the tickets sold??

9/15/2015 04:03 - Lamar S.

Lexington is da best

9/15/2015 02:48 - TAMARA L.

The best BBQ is in Shelby, NC...Bridges Barbeque with wonderful hushpuppies to go with it. They were set up at the American Legion World Series to serve the public and boy did they...

9/15/2015 02:17 - shirley r.

KINGS BBQ IN KINSTON.

9/15/2015 01:28 - Carlos S.

Backyard Bbq Pit in Durham.

9/15/2015 12:37 - Archie P.

Mission BBQ, Wilmington, NC

9/15/2015 10:32 - Brenda G.

Best barbecue is at Bridges Lodge in Shelby, NC!!!

9/15/2015 10:18 - Betty O.

EXTENT SOME OF THE WINNING TICKETS IN TO RUTHERFORD COUNTY.

9/15/2015 09:50 - ELLA R.

Best bbq Ayden nc

9/15/2015 08:23 - carolyn b.

THE BEST BBQ AROUND IS FOUND IN WINSTON SALEM.....LEXINGTON....SALISBURY NC

9/15/2015 08:19 - carolyn b.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF LUCKY ZONE TO BE ABLE TO VOTE ON FACEBOOKAND TWITTER ?????NC Lottery
No, you don't! :)

9/15/2015 12:56 - samantha b.

hi just want to ask can you buy scratch-off tickets onlineNC Lottery
The law does not allow the purchase of scratch-off tickets online at this time.

9/14/2015 10:35 - jim h.

Best BBQ is Richards in Salisbury

9/14/2015 09:24 - JIM B.

Would love to know where in N.C. a Bbq lover can get some real good sliced beef brisket like they show on the Travel Channel.

9/14/2015 06:05 - lisa p.

Why leave comments? There are no comments on the luckezone and I know people have made them. Especially since nobody seems to be winning on scratchoffs. Very discouraging week. How do you get all tickets to stop winning at one time? I don't even care about big winnings. I just want to win sometimes to make it more fun to play. Not fun or fair anymore. I left a comment last week and never saw it posted.

9/14/2015 05:06 - sharon r.

I think the east have the best BBQ

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First BBQ Bucks promotion winners get $50 gift cards

September 14, 2015 Posted by NC Lottery at 4:50 PM

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