Lottery player’s unique strategy leads to life-changing win in NC. ‘Hard to believe’
A North Carolina man stuck to his usual, albeit uncommon, method of picking lottery numbers — and it paid off in a huge way.
“I just close my eyes and point at random numbers,” John Ross told North Carolina Lottery officials after winning $25,000 for life on a Lucky for Life game.
Ross’ ticket, which he bought online, matched all five numbers in the July 14 drawing, officials said. The Leland man told officials the life-changing win happened on his wife’s birthday.
“It’s hard to believe,” he said. “I always just play one ticket because that’s all it takes to win, right?”
Ross claimed his prize money July 26 and opted for a $390,000 lump sum, taking home $278,851, after taxes, lottery officials said.
The lucky player beat odds of 1 in 1,813,028 to win $25,000 for life, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery’s website.
Ross said he already has plans for his winnings, including paying bills and donating to charity.
“This will help get me to where I need to be for retirement,” he added.
Leland is about a 10-mile drive west from downtown Wilmington.
Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
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