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Buncombe County woman celebrates $2 million win

August 29, 2025 Posted by NC Lottery at 1:31 PM
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Carmen Smith of Arden tried her luck on a $20 scratch-off and won a $2 million top prize.

Smith bought her lucky $2 Million Vault ticket from the Circle K on Boylston Highway in Mills River.

When Smith arrived on Friday to claim her prize, she had a decision to make. She could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $100,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $1.2 million. She chose the lump sum of $1.2 million and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $861,006.

The $2 Million Vault game debuted in May with three top prizes of $2 million and six $100,000 prizes. One $2 million prize and four $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.


13 COMMENTS

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9/02/2025 07:40 - Jayson C.

Someday im gonna buy my girl friend a winner

9/02/2025 02:33 - Billy B.

Congratulations

9/01/2025 05:34 - Eddyce F.

When is the bingo scratcher coming back? Soon please! Also it's time to spice up KENO by adding a " bullseye" to the game like Georgia's lottery!!!! For fastplay, they also make crossword games... Just another hint. And last but not least, time to add a new draw game like the "Poker Lotto" game that Georgia Lottery has. Hope you like the hints!!!NC Lottery
Thanks for sharing this feedback with us, Eddyce! The folks in charge of those decisions read comments like this, so the future is full of possibilities!

8/31/2025 05:33 - Thomas E.

People seem to always have bigger ideas of just how much it takes to change your life for the better. I read about the 150k and even this 861k, both capable of giving the winner a lifetime of enjoyment. Never look at money like its everything and even $20 can make you a happy camper for a day! I am excited for Carmens win and wish many happy investments that will secure a life of happiness in a million ways if not more! btw, trust me, I would be happy with $20 and an all expense paid trip to a steak dinner! Ok, I am going overboard on the $20, lol

8/31/2025 03:03 - Clifton F.

Wow!! Nice!!

8/30/2025 09:19 - Jeffrey D.

Congratulations ????

8/30/2025 08:50 - Cheryl M.

Congratulations

8/30/2025 05:41 - Travis C.

shouldve taken the annuity! smh

8/30/2025 03:53 - Zelda L.

congratulations

8/30/2025 12:19 - Serita W.

Congratulations ???? I know that has to be a great feeling !

8/30/2025 02:27 - Robert f.

Congratulations on your big win enjoy!!!!!

8/29/2025 09:22 - Dwayne C.

Congratulations

8/29/2025 05:18 - joseph P.

Congratulations enjoy

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