On second try with lottery ticket, retired Greensboro educator wins $150,000

December 11, 2020 Posted by NC Lottery at 2:44 PM

Retired Greensboro educator Vickie Henry took a second chance on one of her lottery tickets and won a $150,000 prize.

Henry, a former biology teacher and assistant principal, said she would use some of her prize money to help families in need during the holidays and some to provide scholarships in one of her favorite programs, Top Teens of America. The rest, she said, would go to home improvements and savings.

“I think it’s very important to help other people when you can afford to,” Henry said as she collected her prize Thursday at lottery headquarters.

Henry won the top prize in the lottery’s first Holiday Luck second-chance drawing on Wednesday. She said she got an email notifying her of her win Wednesday night, but had a hard time believing it was true.

After federal and state tax withholdings, Henry received $106,125.

She said she likes second-chance drawings because they give her another chance at winning a prize. “It gives you hope that maybe you will win the second time,” she said. “Second chances are very important in life.”

The Holiday Luck second-chance drawings accept any of the five holiday scratch-offs, Holiday Luck X10, Holiday Luck X20, Holiday Luck X30, Holiday Luck X50, and Holiday Countdown as entries.

The deadline to enter the second drawing is Jan. 31 and the drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 3. The drawing will award one $150,000 prize, five $10,000 prizes, and 50 $500 prizes.

46 COMMENTS

12/19/2020 08:05 - Sara J.

I can't get in anywhere to put in for my second chance holiday luck X50.. I go to the sites provided, but there is only information and nowhere to enter the drawing.NC Lottery
Hi Sara, when you enter a second chance eligible ticket into your online account you are automatically entered into the second chance drawing. If you navigate to the ‘Draws’ page and select ‘All’ from the drop-down menu, you will see your entries in the right column.

12/16/2020 10:08 - Scott M.

DENVER G I have one pick 3 one time on a full play slip, that $2500 was really nice. I had tried 2 full play slips a few times and have came within having the last number right in a exact play from winning. Example , I choose 426, comes out to be 425 or 427. Just enough to make you disgusted, lol. Never won anything on pick 4. I always play exact play on pick 3 and pick 4, maybe that’s my problem, I need to do the any or combo plays. I wanna win big though if and when I win lol. Best of luck to you in your future plays.

12/16/2020 09:22 - Denver G.

With you Scott. 57? I have a feeling he played even more and gave a few away or is saving them. Who says he only spent $1 on each . He might of played them combo for $6 a ticket. I have won pick 3 on full play slips b4. I usually play the combo. Every time I have won on the pick3 or 4 it has been on a combo with 2 digits the same. Maybe he was 57. Maybe he did this once, or maybe he plays multiply full play slips all the time. I am very happy for him. I am sure that win will change his life AND those around him.

12/16/2020 08:18 - Scott M.

DENVER G I am like you, that had to be a record winning on Pick 4 for Chester Hughes. I mean to spend $57 on a exact set of certain numbers is really crazy, geez why not spend $60 since your that close . Wonder what kind of feeling he had to play 2208 exact for $57 ? I can’t even hit a pick 3 anymore much less get lucky on Pick 4 . I may play pick 4 for a chance of $25,000 to $30,000 it’s hard to imagine winning $285,000 on a pick 4 , heck that’s like hitting a decent Cash 5 but you spent $57 to hit that big amount. Guess he had some big hunch to play big for that particular draw? ??

12/16/2020 02:01 - LaToya M.

Where can you find winners of past second chance drawings? NC Lottery
Hi Latoya, you can find winners of past second chance drawings here: http://nclottery.com/RewardsDraws. First select the game you are interested in, then select the drawing, and finally click on "Winners".

12/15/2020 08:02 - Brent H.

I entered multiple points for the million dollar new years eve draw with dick clark but I can't find or review my entry totals?NC Lottery
Hi Brent, entries for this drawing should appear under Second Chance Draw History. If you're still not seeing your entries please make sure you have updated to the newest version of the app. You can also reach Online Play Customer Service at 866-934-0289 24/7.

12/15/2020 01:38 - Denver G.

NCEL only takes out state taxes. You will get a W2G form to use when you file your income tax. He will still have to pay his federal taxes on that income. That is why I thought he should have spread that income of $285k over 2 years. But hey he might have another 57 tickets he is waiting till 2021 to cash in.

12/15/2020 01:15 - Scott M.

On the big Pick 4 winning tickets for Chester Hughes you said his take home winnings was $4737.50 per ticket. That was only with state tax being deducted, what about Federal tax ? I thought a winning pick 4 ticket on an exact $1 play was roughly $3400-$3500 after taxes ?NC Lottery
Hi Scott, federal withholding begins with all prizes of more than $5,000.

12/15/2020 01:06 - Denver G.

To anyone who thinks they got cheated out of this 2nd chance game. Don't FRET over it, you did not!!! I still have old version of mobile app. When I scan the holiday tickets they come up like 3 or 4 pic with pending points. Then when I get home I log into my desk top and click on Digital game to play the game. If you type in you entry codes on desk top you can skip the game and still get extra points. NO worries , just check you history...

12/15/2020 09:46 - Denver G.

Dang, $285,000 on pic 4, that's 57 tickets. I have seen winners of $20k-$100k before but this has too be a record. I even saw back a few years some guy win $60k on the pic 3. Tax wise I would have cashed half in this year and the other half in Jan.,

12/14/2020 06:49 - Terrance E.

when did the lottery first start offering second chance drawingsNC Lottery
Hi Terrance. Just received a correction on this. We have been running second chance drawings since March 2008.

12/14/2020 06:47 - Billy S.

Congratulations on the BIG win i tried so hard with over 16000 tries I can not even win $5.00!

12/14/2020 05:14 - Margaret G.

Y’all just skip over questions/comments and don’t answer when the hard questions are asked. Thanks you for continuing to skip over my question regarding the cash 5 game. Only ones benefit from this game is the 5 number match and the lottery. If it is a roll over jackpot how in the world do 2,3,and 4 number matches remain the same when the jackpot continues to grow these winners still just get $1.00————-$5.00————-and $250.00 ever when the jackpot reached a million. There is just NO justification for this. It is nothing more than a rip off for people who match 2-3-or 4 numbers. Please explain this method of reasoning for me.NC Lottery
In November 2018 we changed Cash 5 to offer larger and faster growing jackpots. At the same time we made the lower tier prizes a set amount. Read more about these changes: http://bit.ly/34hYS2N

12/14/2020 02:53 - Casselle W.

Congrats on your blessing! Your heart is in the right place. When I do get my blessing I have my family members,friends,and charities in place that will receive 10%. Keep on winning Ms. Henry.

12/14/2020 01:33 - Scott M.

i was looking thru the Pick 4 winners and noticed that someone , Chester Hughes won $285,000 on winning Pick 4 number. Did that really happen ? It shows him claiming on December 11th , what was his winning number ? Thats just unbelievable, would love to be that lucky. How much did he take home on each ticket after taxes ?NC Lottery
Yes! Chester Hughes won big on the Dec. 11, 2020 Pick 4 evening drawing. The winning numbers were 2-2-0-8. The top prize payout on a Pick 4 ticket is $5,000 and each ticket’s cash prize would have state taxes of 5.25% deducted. Meaning this player took home $4,737.50 per winning ticket.

12/14/2020 11:36 - Denver G.

I sure wish I had some government cheese to pass out. It would go good with all the cheap whine out there.

12/14/2020 09:08 - Michael B.

NCEL- where was the last extreme millions $25 ticket sold at ? Location wiseNC Lottery
Hi Michael, thanks for submitting your question. The best way to inquire about specific ticket sales is to email playerinfo@lotterync.net. Thank you!

12/14/2020 07:59 - ronald t.

I am constantly amazed at people who condemn the lottery . If you don’t know the rules and chances, don’t play ! It truly is entertainment . Would I like 2 win a large pot? Sure! Do I expect to? Nope

12/13/2020 10:27 - Keith S.

I've added up all the money I've spent just on these alone 2,788$ no winners really about to to stop buying them seems like ppl who dont need the money always win!!!!

12/13/2020 09:00 - Catherine h.

I never come on here, I just read the comments. I can’t even win $2 now with scratch offs or draw . I’m not a gambler and I have a budget $5 lmao considering I know the real deal.Seems at least during the pandemic ppl would be given better chances but it’s not the case. If anything the chances of any game has gotten worse.NC Lottery
Hi Catherine, thanks for taking the time to share this feedback, we know it can be frustrating when you don't win. However, this year our games are paying out more than ever and we share detailed odds information on our website to help you make an informed decision about which games you want to play. We hope your next ticket is a lucky one!

12/13/2020 08:42 - addie r.

I thought when it said earns points you can put the code in and it automatic you get your points. The one I seen in the store and I put the code in and it said can't be validated,I'm about tired of NCL I once bought 7 $25.00 tickets in a row and didn't get nothing. My fault but 7 tickets, all in a row so I really want my money back and I still got the tickets. I just want to win big one time just to get out of debt.NC Lottery
Hi Addie, Second Chance drawings must be entered into your online account.

12/13/2020 07:26 - michael b.

How many points did she enterNC Lottery
Hi Michael, if you would like to know how many points she entered to win, please submit a request to playerinfo@lotterync.net

12/13/2020 06:58 - Kimberly J.

Congratulations. May god continue to bless you immensely.

12/13/2020 06:48 - Charlene W.

@Timothy and Zachary. I’ve said this for years. I personally have won $100 3 times in 5 years and have NEVER won in second chance ?! Yet I give $1 for a dream never come true. You left out Greensboro, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Durham and Raleigh is where the golden rainbow shines.

12/13/2020 03:46 - Willie T.

Sage advice Timothy B. Very sage advice. I believe your words are even more applicable to the Virginia Lottery, which results in far fewer winners than in the North Carolina Education Lottery. But Congratulations to Miss Henry. And I agree with her final statement as well; People do deserve second chances in life. Enjoy, and help others to enjoy the holidays.

12/13/2020 05:28 - Timothy B.

Stop wasting money on the NC education lottery. I've spent thousands upon thousands and never once won more than $500. On many occasions, I've bought 7 or more tickets in a row without a winner. Odds are false and they are scammers. Unless you're one of the very very lucky ones to win a jackpot, it's not worth it. These winners are usually only sold in the same areas: Fayetteville, Wilmington, Charlotte, and small towns that you've never even heard of. I've only seen maybe 5 big winners in my city with is one of the largest in the state. I've even accumulated tons of 2nd chance points over time and submitted them on one drawing. Even with thousands of entries, I still didn't win the drawing. Save you're money and invest it. Instead of buying that $10, $20, or $30 card, put that money into a savings account when you get the urge to buy a ticket. You will thank me later.

12/13/2020 03:29 - IDA B.

I am glad to see someone is winning online. Hopefully we will have more online games.

12/13/2020 12:41 - Judy H.

Congratulations!!

12/12/2020 07:46 - Charles H.

Anyone who scanned these tickets for the 2nd chance drawing only to have them scan as pick 3 and pick 4 should be declared winners. My tickets did not scan for the drawing, but rather points for pick 3/4 were added to my account. I feel that I was cheated out of the chance at $150,000 yet this retired educator somehow won it. I'm sorry, but it's not fair.

12/12/2020 02:45 - Zachary H.

And yet again I’m reminded why the NC Lottery is nothing more than a legal scam!! When you buy 4, again FOUR consecutive Gold Rush tickets ($20.00 each) and not 1 is a winner,?you know it’s a scam! All these Lottery executives riding around in Audi’s and have 2nd homes At Wrightsville Beach, yet the lottery players can’t even get a break even ticket!! Meanwhile, the schools are starving, depending on state funds! NC Lottery is nothing more than a scam that funds upper level executives a lavish lifestyle!!!

12/12/2020 01:17 - Michael C.

Have a son with a heart condition called Aortic Stenosis and another with Tourette Syndrome. Sure could use a break!!!! Sure hope so!!!

12/12/2020 01:16 - CHERIE B.

Is there a way to see the list of winners for these 2nd chance drawings?NC Lottery
Hi Cherie, if you would like to see any of the past winners of 2nd Chance drawings, visit our website at https://nclottery.com/RewardsDraws, then select "View Details" for the game you are interested in, then select the date of the drawing, and finally select the blue "Winners" button.

12/12/2020 01:13 - Douglas H.

PS: Congratulations Vickie :-)

12/12/2020 01:13 - Douglas H.

I remember when we won on a second chance drawing we found the email in our spam folder by accident and didn't even think it was real until we called the lottery and spoke to this really nice lady who was so excited for us. We won the 2nd highest prize. Totally out of the blue. After a long recovery from combat injuries we would play once a week and scan ourvtickets for fun never thinking we would win. We did :-). Amazing! We used to help a few people and some rescue dogs and still have some of it saved up for a rainy day. A win can happen to anyone. You could be next :-)

12/12/2020 11:49 - addie r.

Congratulations! Glad to know that you are going to help others that's a Blessing. I been playing forever and enter all kinds of drawing and haven't won a penny but I gave tickets to a lady and she won and didn't give me $1.00 but it's okay my day is coming. Again Congratulation, keep playing you never know you might win again.

12/12/2020 08:17 - Ronald T.

It's okay to say Merry Christmas. Use the money wisely. God Bless & Yes, God Bless America.

12/12/2020 01:38 - Charles H.

NC Education Lottery and the winner just happens to be a retired educator? Sorry, but I'm not buying coincidence on this one.

12/12/2020 01:22 - De Lane M.

Well again another retired person with a state of NC retirement. It’s always someone retired with a nice retirement coming in or someone employed with a high paying profession.

12/11/2020 09:41 - Margaret G.

Question....if the cash five game rolls over every draw until someone matches all 5 numbers and wins the jackpot, why is that for each draw that is rolled over the prize for 2,3,and 4 number matches stay the same. Just as the jackpot amount goes up so should the lower tier prizes, that’s fair to everyone thAt buy cash five tickets. With the way the prize is structured the only winner are the on that matches 5 number and the lottery.

12/11/2020 07:15 - fabrienne r.

Congratulations!

12/11/2020 05:50 - loretha f.

Everytime I enter second chances on Holiday tickets it won't let me click accept I called and was given no answer why it's not fair that it won't let me get a second chance I'm madNC Lottery
Hi Loretha, We're sorry to hear that you are frustrated. Please make sure that you are calling the team at 866-934-0289. They should be able to provide help or feedback as to the issue you are having. Thank you

12/11/2020 05:01 - Gloria C.

Congratulations to you and I wish you many more wonderful wins. I am glad to know you want to help other. That is a good thing.

12/11/2020 04:30 - Kenneth F.

How many total entries were there in this particular drawing? Thanks in advance.NC Lottery
Hi Kenneth, Through December 6, there were 60,624,533 entries into the Holiday Luck second-chance drawing. Thanks and good luck to you!

12/11/2020 04:13 - Charles H.

I entered several of these tickets and they scanned as pick 3 and pick 4. As far as I'm concerned I wasn't given a fair chance.NC Lottery
There is a known technical issue if you are running an outdated version of the Android app where it will not display the Holiday Luck Second Chance game. However, if you check your history (https://nclottery.com/RewardsHistory) you should see that the tickets were entered under the correct game. We recommend updating the app to the newest version so that all new games display correctly.

12/11/2020 03:57 - William W.

Merry christmas. God does exist.

12/11/2020 03:18 - Vicki G.

Congratulations! When my husband and I won a Cash 5 jackpot one of the best parts was gifting money to family, friends, and charities. It was so much fun to play Santa Claus!

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On second try with lottery ticket, retired Greensboro educator wins $150,000

December 11, 2020 Posted by NC Lottery at 2:44 PM

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