Union County grandfather wins $795,578 Cash 5 jackpot

December 4, 2017 Posted by NC Lottery at 4:38 PM

Mark Russell of Waxhaw is celebrating after he won a $795,578 Cash 5 jackpot.

“It’s going to be a big Christmas,” Russell said. “My second grandbaby is coming and now this.”

Russell bought the $1 Quick Pick ticket at the Harris Teeter on Kensington Drive in Waxhaw. He beat odds of 1 in 749,398 to match all five numbers in the Dec. 2 drawing.

The mental health technician found out he won the next morning when he stopped to get gas.

“When the clerk looked at the ticket and told me, I couldn’t believe it,” Russell said. “This is a blessing!”

Russell claimed his prize Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $552,934. He plans to spend some of the money on his grandkids.

Ticket sales from draw games like Cash 5 make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $600 million a year for education.

Congratulations Mark!

17 COMMENTS

12/08/2017 01:03 - carolyn b.

FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN HEARING THE 2 STORES THAT I HAVE BOUGHT THE NEW SUPER TICKETS AT THEY ARE SELLING LIKE HOT CAKES.....GLAD MY SUGGESTION IS GOING GREAT !!!!! I HAVE WON ON 2 TICKETS 50.00 AND 30.00 SO FAR...HOPE I WIN BIG IN DAVIE COUNTY

12/08/2017 11:44 - coriante s.

Why did this winner have to go to Raleigh to cash his winning tv isn't it a pace here in Charlotte to cash that ticket if not could you explain why Raleigh the main place to cash tickets NC Lottery
You can get prizes of $599 or less at your closest retail location. You can go to one of our regional offices - Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Raleigh or Wilmington, to claim prizes from $600 to $99,999. And for prizes of $100,000 or more, you travel to headquarters in Raleigh to claim your prize. We put a bit more scrutiny on the big wins than we do the smaller ones to make sure everything is correct. Our experience is most people who get to make that trip don't mind.

12/06/2017 11:11 - Deanna H.

Congratulations!! Wow one quick pick ticket, awesome! merry Christmas!!??????

12/06/2017 06:10 - Mike S.

@John R. the math is off a bit. They withheld 30.499%, 25% fed and 5.499% NC. So NCEL did withdraw the minimum, however as they say after you collect you need to check your tax status and see if you owe more, most likely you will. I use Quicken and it's easy to set up scenarios to see what your tax liability may be. NC Lottery
Thanks for the assist, Mike S.

12/05/2017 06:27 - Herman S.

Congrats Mark. I'm hoping I can at least make $7,900.00 this month playing my favorite pick3 numbers for December. The KING got his eyes on 881 & 194 combo D/E for next 2 weeks. Backing 1224 & 1225 in pick4 as well. Season Greetings to all NCEL members and may everyone be blessed with a little Santa $$ for Christmas. As for me, some of numbers were nice and some were naughty to me in 2017. CHEERS. NC Lottery
Cheers to you, Herman S.

12/05/2017 05:47 - carolyn b.

WOW I BROUGHT THIS UP A GOOD WHILE AGO ABOUT VA HAVING A SUPER TICKET WITH 4 GAMES ON IT FOR 10.00....AND ASKED WHY NC COULDNT COME UP WITH A TICKET LIKE THAT....NOW ITS OUT.....HOPE IT SELLS WELL

12/05/2017 05:43 - carolyn b.

WTG ON YOUR VERY NICE CASH5 WIN.....I HOPE 2 WIN BIG 1 DAY....I DID HAVE SOME GOOD LUCK BOUGHT SOME TICKETS WON 65.00 WENT 2 ANOTHER STORE AND BOUGHT A 30.00 TICKET AND GOT MY 30.00 BACK.....BOUGHT A 20.00 4MIL DIAMOND AND WON 500.00 NC Lottery
Wow. That's a nice run of luck. Congrats.

12/05/2017 04:45 - Charlene W.

How about discontinue this generic website .It is awful and ridiculous

12/05/2017 04:42 - Jerrell S.

Sheesh, can we all just be genuinely happy for God blessing this young man? No need to tell others how to spend their winnings or even worry about the taxes. This is a HUGE blessing! And whoever God lays on his heart to bless is who he will. That's the problem with the world. We don't wait to hear from God. We do what we THINK he wants. We do what our FLESH says. Be happy for others. Be thankful. Spread REAL love! I love you all!

12/05/2017 01:55 - John R.

So the taxation is only 26.2%??? Seems awefully low. Hope you didn't saddle him with a large underpayment of taxes penalty... NC Lottery
John- We take out the minimum state and federal witholdings. Winners are then advised to check with a financial adviser to see if they are in a different tax bracket and owe more.

12/05/2017 10:41 - james r.

Thanks God for his BLESSING.

12/05/2017 09:08 - BETTY B.

Congratulations

12/05/2017 12:04 - judy w.

Congratulations iam next

12/04/2017 07:08 - Horace P.

god bless you mark,i pray the best for you brother, i'm next! LoL

12/04/2017 06:37 - Connie M.

Just a smidge of that could have helped greatly at this time. ?? Luck of the draw for someone else. #PaySomeForward, Sirb for you are #Blessed more that some. Congrats on the new Grandbaby ????

12/04/2017 06:12 - clifford l.

Maybe one day my luck will change..Congrats mr.Russell

12/04/2017 06:06 - Pauline S.

Congratulations Mark and if you don't now really is a place to start believing in tithing which is only 10% to your church if you are affiliated with one but I am so happy for you and your family because am sure that many of us were hoping for the same winning bless you.

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Union County grandfather wins $795,578 Cash 5 jackpot

December 4, 2017 Posted by NC Lottery at 4:38 PM

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