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A man in North Carolina has big plans for holiday gifts after scoring a massive prize in a newly-launched lottery game.
Billy Pruett, of Shelby, doesn't typically play the lottery; in fact, he's only ever purchased two tickets. However, he recently proved that quality once again beat quantity when he scored a $250,000 prize after buying his second-ever lottery ticket, according to a release from the NC Education Lottery.
Pruett recently stopped by the Harry's Quick Shop on Washburn Switch Road where he picked up a $5 Mega Bucks Limited Edition scratch-off ticket, a move which turned out to bring him luck as he discovered he won a $250,000 prize.
"My heart went into my feet," he said. "I couldn't sleep all night."
Pruett claimed his prize at lottery headquarters on Friday (October 28), taking home $177,526 after all required state and federal tax withholdings. When asked what he plans to do with his new winnings, he told lottery officials he hopes put some in savings while also paying bills and sharing a bit with friends. He also has a good idea what to do for the holidays to spoil his girlfriend.
"I'm going to buy my girlfriend a big Christmas present now," he said.
According to the state lottery, the Mega Bucks Limited Edition game launched in August with five top prizes of $250,000. After Pruett's win, only one top prize remains to be claimed.