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news blog > article

Buncombe County man on $500,000 second-chance win: “Dreams do come true”

March 11, 2025 Posted by NC Lottery at 8:42 AM
image-photo

Erik Kreiner of Weaverville has dreamed of winning a big lottery prize and it finally happened Wednesday when a second-chance drawing delivered him a $500,000 prize.

“Dreams do come true,” Kreiner said.

Kreiner found out he won his big prize in the $10 Million Spectacular Second Chance drawing when he got a phone call from the lottery. There were more than 1.9 million total entries in the third of four drawings.

“That was a surreal moment,” Kreiner said recalling the phone call. “It was quite shocking.”

He arrived at lottery headquarters Friday to collect his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $358,750.

Kreiner plans to use his winnings to invest and help family members who sustained losses during Tropical Storm Helene.

“It is a good way to pay it forward,” Kreiner said.

Players get a second chance with their $10 Million Spectacular scratch-offs by scanning them into their lottery accounts where they were automatically entered into the drawing. In addition to the $500,000 prize, the drawing had one top prize of $1 million and 10 $50,000 winners.

The N.C. Education Lottery’s Play Smart™ program helps North Carolinians make the most of their lottery play. Visit ncplaysmart.com to learn about all things lottery, from tips on how odds work to how to enter bonus drawings. If you or someone you know needs support, visit morethanagame.nc.gov/ for free, confidential help.

Check out the video below of Kreiner discussing his big win.


12 COMMENTS

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3/16/2025 11:41 - John D.

Congratulations the lottery is all about location people look where the win was at again western Carolina come on people it's proof

3/14/2025 09:23 - Dameka W.

i am also having problems..not sure if i am receiving points for tickets enteredNC Lottery
Thank you for your comment, Dameka, and we're sorry to hear you're still experiencing these issues. Our web team is working to investigate ongoing issues with Lucke-Rewards and we hope to have this resolved ASAP.

3/13/2025 01:00 - Dwon C.

Congratulations ??! But What is the expected number to look for when receiving a call from the NC lottery. I rarely answer 1(800) numbersNC Lottery
Hi, Dwon! The number will vary depending on who from the Lottery is calling, but it will be from a (919) area code. We'll always leave a voicemail if we call and don't receive an answer, so never feel pressured to answer a call from an unknown number!

3/12/2025 06:38 - Gloria C.

Congratulations. Enjoy your winnings.

3/12/2025 06:07 - george j.

How do the second chance go,is it how many tickets you scan or something else?NC Lottery
Hey there, George! Scanning and entering more eligible tickets to earn entries does increase your odds of being randomly selected as a lucky winner, but every entry has the same odds of being drawn in each drawing. Sometimes, it only takes one lucky entry to win!

3/12/2025 02:51 - Dion A.

Good for you My Guy...Good For you...Where is Weaverville???

3/12/2025 12:54 - Brad N.

Great idea to invest it smartly...that way your win lives forever. Spend it all...it can't continue to help you or anyone else.Smart winner.

3/12/2025 07:05 - Steven B.

the fun never ends around here with the NC lottery

3/11/2025 05:20 - Berry B.

WoW, congratulations

3/11/2025 09:56 - Tom a.

Are you going to extend the dates for other March second chance drawings since we have been unable to enter tickets for 2 weeks?NC Lottery
Hi, Tom! We're sorry that our players have been experiencing this issue, and we're working to get the problems affecting Lucke-Rewards resolved as soon as possible. At this time, we do not have any plans to extend or change deadlines for Lucke-Rewards or second chance drawings.

3/11/2025 09:40 - Doris W.

Well guess the lottery kicked me off yesterday when I said the problem was NOT fixed yet to enter second chance tickets been trying for almost 3 weeks!!! Right after that code 403 forbidden came up when I try to enter!!! Talked with a lottery rep who told me same ole deal to reboot clean out tabs ?????But when I looked up the code it stated that the retailer cud do this sooooo guess they didn’t like me complaining and my statement that the NC Lottery needed to tighten up!!!! And personally I don’t think they shud be doing second chance drawings while we can’t enter those tickets!!!!NC Lottery
We're sorry you're experiencing this issue, Doris! Our team is working to resolve issues affecting Lucke-Rewards and we hope to have this fixed soon. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience while we work to get this resolved.

3/11/2025 09:15 - Jane C.

Congratulations ??????

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