Johnston County, N.C., September 21, 2025
News Summary
Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal from Clayton has made history as the first winner of the $1 million prize in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s new scratch-off game. He purchased his winning ticket from Compare Foods, securing one of the limited remaining top prizes and opting for a lump sum payout of $600,000 after taxes. This event reflects the increasing popularity of lottery games in North Carolina.
Johnston County Resident Wins First $1 Million Prize in North Carolina Lottery’s New Game
Johnston County, N.C. — A local resident has become the first person to claim the top prize of $1 million in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s recently launched $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. The winner, Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal from Clayton, purchased the winning ticket from a participating retailer and has secured the game’s inaugural top prize since its debut in August 2023.
Details of the Winning Ticket
Espinal acquired his winning ticket from Compare Foods, a grocery store situated on East Second Street in Clayton. The $1,000,000 Bonus Match is a scratch-off game that offers five chances to win $1 million. As of now, there are only four top prizes of $1 million remaining unclaimed, highlighting the limited number of top prizes still available in the game.
Prize Payment Options and Final Payout
Following the win, Espinal was given two options for receiving his prize: an annual payout of $50,000 over 20 years or a single lump sum payment. He selected the lump sum payment of $600,000. After mandatory state and federal tax withholdings, Espinal received a total of $430,503.
Official Announcement and Broader Context
The announcement of the first $1 million winner was made by the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL). This recent win comes amid other notable lottery successes in the state, including a $2 million Powerball prize won by a Clayton resident on Labor Day. That individual matched five white balls in the Powerball drawing and purchased a $3 online Power Play ticket. The overall odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are approximately 1 in 292 million.
Powerball Jackpot and Additional Information
The current Powerball jackpot is estimated at $1.3 billion, with the option for the winner to receive a lump sum of approximately $589 million. The large jackpot continues to attract a significant number of participants drawn by the high payout potential.
Responsible Gambling Resources
The report emphasizes the importance of responsible gambling. Individuals who may have concerns about gambling behavior are encouraged to contact the NC Problem Gambling Helpline, which provides support and resources for those seeking assistance.
Summary
This recent $1 million win highlights the ongoing popularity of scratch-off games and the lottery’s role in supporting education funding in North Carolina. With only a few top prizes remaining in the Bonus Match game, players are reminded that such large jackpots are rare but remain within reach. As the Powerball jackpot continues to grow, more residents may be tempted to participate in hopes of winning big.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Multiple Winners Announced in South Carolina Lottery Draws
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Unclaimed $170,000 Palmetto Cash 5 Jackpot Ticket in Columbia
Additional Resources
- ABC11 News
- WCNC News
- WXII 12 News
- North Carolina Lottery News
- The News Observer
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- Google Search: North Carolina Education Lottery
- Google Scholar: lottery winnings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: lottery
- Google News: North Carolina lottery news
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
