A family game on Christmas Eve turned into a joyous celebration for Raleigh resident Edisson Garcia Vargas when he unwrapped a $200,000 scratch-off prize.
“Everybody was just in shock with their mouths open,” Vargas recalled.
His lucky $5 More Money ticket came from the Harris Teeter on Flowers Crossroads Way in Clayton. He won the scratch-off playing a game with family members.
“We had a big bowl of gifts that we took turns unwrapping,” he said. “That lottery ticket was the only thing I got out of there.”
Vargas said he got a kiss for good luck from his girlfriend and then he started scratching.
“I was so excited when I saw how much I won,” Vargas said. “The whole family was.”
He arrived at lottery headquarters Thursday to claim his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $142,501.
He said he plans to invest his winnings.
The More Money game debuted in September with five $200,000 top prizes. Two $200,000 prizes remain to be claimed.
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