Raleigh resident Rabah Samara got a belated birthday present on Friday after a $10 Fast Play ticket turned into a $321,223 jackpot.
“Considering yesterday was my birthday,” Samara said, “this is a great birthday gift for me.”
Samara bought his lucky 50X The Cash ticket Friday morning from the Han-Dee Hugo’s on Western Boulevard in Raleigh. At the time of his purchase, the jackpot stood at $321,223. Since he bought a $10 ticket, he received 100% of the progressive jackpot.
“I didn’t notice anything the first time I checked it but the second time I said ‘Oh jeez, it’s the jackpot,’” Samara said.
He arrived at lottery headquarters Friday to collect his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $229,667.
He plans to use his winnings to pay some bills and set some aside ‘for a rainy day.’
“Now I can sleep better at night,” Samara said. “I’m just happy.”
Fast Play features an instantly growing jackpot that increases with every ticket sold until it is won. As of Friday afternoon, the Fast Play jackpot stands at $22,000 and counting.
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