Clayton, N.C., September 21, 2025
News Summary
Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal from Clayton has won the first $1 million prize in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. He purchased the winning ticket at Compare Foods and chose the lump sum payment of $600,000. After taxes, Espinal takes home $430,503. Four top prizes still remain in this new lottery game, which was launched in August 2023.
Clayton, N.C. – Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal, a resident of Clayton, has made headlines as the first winner of the $1 million top prize in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s new game, the $1,000,000 Bonus Match. Espinal purchased the winning ticket at Compare Foods located on East Second Street in Clayton, marking a significant win for the local community.
The $1 million Bonus Match game was launched in August 2023, and it features five total top prizes of $1 million each. As of now, there are four remaining prizes yet to be claimed, indicating that players still have a chance to win in this new game.
Espinal faced a choice regarding how to receive his winnings: either as an annuity of $50,000 per year for 20 years or as a lump sum payment. Opting for immediate benefits, he selected the lump sum option, which allowed him to take home $600,000 before taxes. After state and federal withholdings, Espinal’s final amount totaled $430,503.
The announcement of Espinal’s win was made public by the North Carolina Education Lottery. This news coincides with a wave of lucky lottery wins in North Carolina, including a notable $2 million Powerball prize won by another Clayton resident just a few days prior, on Labor Day. The $2 million winner matched five white balls in the Powerball drawing and had purchased a $3 online Power Play ticket.
The odds of winning a Powerball drawing are quite low, at approximately 1 in 292 million, highlighting the rarity of such winnings. Currently, the Powerball jackpot is soaring at $1.3 billion, with the winner eligible for a substantial lump sum payout of about $589 million, stirring excitement among lottery players across the state.
As the popularity of lottery games continues to thrive, the North Carolina Education Lottery urges individuals who may have concerns about gambling to reach out to the NC Problem Gambling Helpline for assistance.
Lottery Game Details
- Game Name: $1,000,000 Bonus Match
- Launch Date: August 2023
- Top Prizes: Five total; four remaining
- Winning Ticket Location: Compare Foods, East Second Street, Clayton, N.C.
- Payout Options: Annuity ($50,000/year for 20 years) or Lump Sum ($600,000)
- Final Amount After Taxes: $430,503
Recent Lottery Wins
- Other Winners: $2 million Powerball prize on Labor Day
- Powerball Jackpot: $1.3 billion
- Lump Sum for Powerball Winner: $589 million
Background on Lottery Games
The North Carolina Education Lottery has become a popular source of entertainment and excitement for residents, providing an opportunity for substantial winnings. The launch of new games like the $1,000,000 Bonus Match aims to attract more players and enhance the gaming experience. Lottery proceeds support education initiatives across the state.
FAQ Section
What is the $1 million Bonus Match game?
The $1 million Bonus Match is a new game introduced by the North Carolina Education Lottery that debuted in August 2023, offering five total top prizes of $1 million each.
How does the prize payout work in the Bonus Match game?
Winners can choose to receive their prize as an annuity of $50,000 per year for 20 years or as a lump sum. The recent winner, Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal, opted for the lump sum of $600,000.
Are there any other recent lottery winners in North Carolina?
Yes, another Clayton resident won a $2 million Powerball prize on Labor Day by matching five white balls. The current Powerball jackpot stands at $1.3 billion.
Where can I get help if I have gambling concerns?
Individuals concerned about gambling can reach out to the NC Problem Gambling Helpline for support and resources.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Winner’s Name | Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal |
| Prize Amount | $1 million (top prize) |
| Winning Ticket Location | Compare Foods, Clayton, N.C. |
| Final Amount After Taxes | $430,503 |
| Powerball Jackpot | $1.3 billion |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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
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