Lee County man bags $1 million prize, his second major lottery win

August 3, 2026 Posted by NC Lottery at 12:29 PM

Oscar Mendoza of Sanford tried his luck on a $10 scratch-off and won a $1 million top prize, his second big lottery win.

Mendoza previously won $100,000 on a $100,000 Cash Payday scratch-off in May.

His $1 million win came on a Jumbo Bucks ticket from the Circle K on South Horner Boulevard in Sanford.

When Mendoza arrived at lottery headquarters Friday, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum of $600,000 and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $432,063.

The Jumbo Bucks game debuted in June with five top prizes of $1 million. Three $1 million prizes remain to be claimed.

13 COMMENTS

8/07/2026 02:42 - MICHAEL B.

Congrats. If you win $50 million or more can you request to remain Anonymous here in North Carolina?

8/05/2026 07:29 - Lavanda H.

Congratulations Oscar...BUT!how can you say he won a million dollars. Taking out $400,000 before taxes dive in on it is insane. Why $400,000 why not $200,000 the same amount the taxes take out. Crazy!!!

8/05/2026 04:09 - Brian T.

Another PR article to draw in more players for a possible big win on a low cost scratcher to increase lotto ticket sales. NCEL and the rest of the national lotteries have pushed more players out with their increasingly blatant rigging.

8/04/2026 11:32 - Frank H.

Congratulations Mendoza, I was the guy that bought two of the same tickets ahead of you. God bless you and your family.

8/04/2026 03:56 - Berry B.

Much love to you Mr.Mendoza!

8/04/2026 03:31 - Albert r.

Congrads

8/04/2026 01:54 - Robert f.

Congratulations nice win,I have been playing the lottery for 10 plus years and never won the top prize maybe one of these days I willNC Lottery
Thanks for celebrating with us! Wishing you lots of luck, Robert!

8/03/2026 09:45 - James S.

Congratulation my lottery competitor.

8/03/2026 08:42 - Deborah A.

Hola Oscar! Congratulations on your win.Enjoy

8/03/2026 08:17 - Lonnie S.

This is bull crap. Dont get me wrong Im happy the man won but its stupid that we have to spend our hard earned money to buy tickets especially the nc lottery and never win a dime! The entire system is a rip off that takes people's money, even after they win!NC Lottery
Hi Lonnie! It definitely takes a lot of luck to be a big winner, and we hope you’ll only continue to play if you’re enjoying yourself! If not, it might be better to take a break.

8/03/2026 07:53 - Kimberly F.

Only God makes things like that happen it's amazing how wonderful he is congratulations on your wins

8/03/2026 06:40 - Toriano H.

MY HALLELUJAH BELONGS TO YOU..... YOU DESERVE IT .... BLESSINGS OSCAR.....

8/03/2026 05:29 - Tim H.

when you take the lump sum, what happens to the other 400 thousand? NC Lottery
Winners are given the choice between a $1 million payment paid out over 20 years, or a lump sum. The $400,000 difference between the lump sum and the annuity accounts for what would be earned on interest over the course of 20 years and used to pay out the $1 million prize to the winner.

Lee County man bags $1 million prize, his second major lottery win

August 3, 2026 Posted by NC Lottery at 12:29 PM

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