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Gaston County man gets lucky $100,000 win on Friday the 13th

March 17, 2026 Posted by NC Lottery at 10:10 AM
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An unlucky day delivered an unforgettable moment for David Abernathy of Mount Holly when a $30 scratch-off purchase on Friday won him a $100,000 top prize.

“I don’t usually like Friday the 13th but I do now,” he laughed.

Abernathy bought his lucky $100,000 Cash Payday ticket from Main Street Market on South Main Street in Stanley. He had a hard time believing he really won.

“I was thinking, ‘This isn’t real,’” Abernathy recalled.

He then shared the big news with his wife.

“I called her and she didn’t believe me so I had to send her a picture,” Abernathy said.

He arrived at lottery headquarters Monday to claim his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $72,018.

Abernathy plans to use his winnings to pay bills.

The $100,000 Cash Payday game debuted this month with 80 $100,000 top prizes. Seventy-eight $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.


4 COMMENTS

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3/18/2026 10:05 - komal v.

Congratulations!!

3/17/2026 10:56 - Melba p.

Congratulations my time is coming. I’m just waiting patiently to hit the big lotto.NC Lottery
We're crossing our fingers for you and wishing you lots of luck, Melba!

3/17/2026 02:26 - darryl i.

Congrats! I'm waaaay overdue but my prayers are in.

3/17/2026 12:07 - carolyn b.

HOW MUCH IS THE CASH OPTION ON THE MILLION 4 LIFE AND THE 100,000 FOR LIFENC Lottery
Hi, Carolyn! The lump sum option for the $1 million for life top prize in Millionaire for Life is $18 million. The lump sum option for the 2nd tier prize of $100,000 a year for life is $2 million.

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