Gaston County man thought he might be dreaming after $250,000 win

January 23, 2023 Posted by NC Lottery at 1:05 PM

Paul Cobler Jr. of Dallas had a tough time sleeping on Saturday after a $5 scratch-off purchase revealed a $250,000 prize.

“I was just trying to figure out if I was dreaming or something,” Cobler said. “I could barely sleep after it happened.”

Cobler, a 51-year-old machinist, bought his lucky Mega Bucks Limited Edition ticket from the Walmart on Northwest Boulevard in Newton. He said he took the ticket home and started scratching it while watching TV.

“I was in disbelief,” he recalled. “I just kept thinking, ‘This can’t be real.’”

Cobler arrived at lottery headquarters Monday to collect his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $178,126.

Cobler said he would like to use the winnings to pay off his house, car, and save for retirement.

“Hopefully from here on out it will be an earlier retirement than I was expecting,” he said.

Mega Bucks Limited Edition debuted in August with five $250,000 prizes. Since Cobler won the last $250,000 top prize, the lottery will begin steps to end the game.

7 COMMENTS

1/24/2023 03:45 - Tikeshia S.

@ Shirley B., Just like I’m waiting on a true trip & quad and not one with this Fireball. I suggest we STOP playing since NC lotto won’t do right, VA has the Fireball too & this month alone they had like 4-5 trips WITHOUT the Fireball. Maybe ALL Pick 3 & Pick 4 lotto players should go to the “New Casino” in VA, we’ll probably have better luck. NC Lotto y’all a truly a bunch of cheating folks.

1/24/2023 05:43 - shirley b.

We are waiting foe trips NCEL or a quad lol

1/24/2023 02:50 - Brian T.

He's wide awake now. Congratulations!!!

1/23/2023 08:50 - Rosemary W.

Congratulations from Cleveland Ohio. Here visiting after moving almost 6 yrs ago. Lived here 31 yrs.

1/23/2023 06:34 - mary b.

Congratulations on your big win. I hope you can retire early.

1/23/2023 04:16 - Joe S.

Congratulations from Charlotte! Nice cash haul....

1/23/2023 03:57 - Mary G.

Awesome win! And a wise plan for the money! Congratulations!

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