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news blog > article

Charlotte man celebrates the timing of $100,000 scratch-off win

January 2, 2026 Posted by NC Lottery at 2:49 PM
image-photo

Carlos Watson of Charlotte said the timing could not have been better for his family when a $50 scratch-off won him a $100,000 prize.

“It’s going to really help us out a lot,” he said.

Watson plans to use his winnings to pay bills and renovate his home.

He bought his lucky $8 Million Money Maker ticket from Joe’s Kwik Marts on University City Boulevard in Charlotte.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Watson said.

He arrived at lottery headquarters Friday to collect his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $72,024.

The $8 Million Money Maker game debuted in December 2024 with five $8 million top prizes and 10 $100,000 prizes. Three $8 million prizes and four $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.

1 COMMENTS

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1/02/2026 03:06 - Karen M.

Congratulations for a win that was right on time!

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