When North Carolina grandma Nora Huntley scratched her lottery ticket during a quick break from work, she didn’t think much of it. In fact, she almost missed the win entirely.
“I saw a two and a zero, so I figured it was just twenty bucks,” Huntley told the North Carolina Education Lottery. “Then I looked again — and I was stunned!”
Turns out, Huntley’s $5 5 Times Lucky scratch-off ticket wasn’t a $20 win — it was a $200,000 jackpot! After taxes, she took home a hefty $143,501.
Huntley bought the ticket from the Marathon Food Center in Polkton, about 45 miles southeast of Charlotte — the same place she works. “I just got lucky,” she said with a laugh. And with 15 grandchildren, she already knows where some of that money will go. “It’s a blessing,” she added.
Interestingly, Huntley isn’t the only North Carolina winner to misread her ticket. Another player once thought she’d scored $250 — only to realize it was worth way more, missing a few crucial zeroes.
While winning stories like Huntley’s are heartwarming, it’s important to remember that for some, gambling can become harmful. If you or someone you love struggles with gambling, help is available. Call the National Gambling Hotline at 1-800-522-4700 for confidential support.
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