Lucky NC lottery player could not catch his breath after $736K jackpot win

• A $1 Cash 5 ticket resulted in a $735,645 jackpot in North Carolina
• The winner, a 76-year-old man, revealed that he plays every once and a while, but after seeing the size of the jackpot, decided to give the game a try
• Cash 5 is one of multiple games available to players across the state

A fortunate player who buys tickets every once in a while was hyperventilating after winning a life-changing prize.

That’s the story of a Greensboro man, who took down the top prize from the North Carolina Education Lottery’s Cash 5 game.

The winner beat the odds of 1 in 963,000

The player decided to try his luck by purchasing a ticket using Online Play.

He entered the game’s drawing on June 2, 2026, with a $1 Quick Pick ticket.

Interestingly, his ticket turned out to be the top prize winner from that drawing, netting him a whopping $735,645 jackpot.

The odds of winning the top prize by matching all five balls in Cash 5 are 1 in 962,598.

Interestingly, unlike some players, the Greensboro man didn’t play frequently.

"I play maybe five times all year but I saw the high jackpot so I decided to try it. It was just in my spirit," the lucky 76-year-old man said.

Recalling the moment of the life-changing win, the fortunate player admitted that he was hyperventilating.

The Cash 5 jackpot win came at the perfect time, considering that this Thursday marked the player’s 76th birthday.

He also admitted that his 40th wedding anniversary is also coming soon, adding that the jackpot feels like a "blessing" for him and his family.

After visiting the North Carolina Education Lottery’s headquarters in Raleigh, the Greensboro man claimed his newfound fortune.

Considering that federal and state taxes apply to lottery winnings in North Carolina, his payout was a sum just shy of $530,000.

Asked about his plans for his lottery windfall, the man admitted that he intends to help his family.

Cash 5 grants players a chance to win a range of prizes

The North Carolina Education Lottery offers a variety of lottery games and Cash 5 is one of six that can be purchased online and via retail outlets.

In addition, players can tap into Cash 5 via the NC Lottery Official Mobile app.

The cost per Cash 5 ticket is $1 and players must pick five numbers between 1 and 43.

Adding an extra $1 per play unlocks the game’s Double Play feature, doubling the ways to win with a second drawing.

On the other hand, Cash 5 also offers an EZ Match feature for an extra $1 per play, granting players a chance to win instant prizes.

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