John Watson of Ash tried his luck on a new scratch-off game and instantly became the first winner of the top prize of $200,000.
He purchased his winning 5 Times Lucky ticket from the Scotchman on Whiteville Road in Shallotte.
Watson said his lucky win comes only a few weeks after heart surgery. Now in good health and spirits, this exciting news is “just the icing on the cake” to his smooth recovery, according to his wife, Lois.
Watson traveled to Raleigh with Lois and one of their four children, David, to claim his prize at lottery headquarters Wednesday. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $143,501.
He plans to put his winnings towards additional healthcare and possibly a new truck.
The 5 Times Lucky game began this month. Watson is the first to win the top prize of $200,000. Four top prizes remain to be claimed.
For details on how $6 million raised by the lottery made a difference for education programs in Brunswick County last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.
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