Clayton, N.C., September 21, 2025
News Summary
Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal from Clayton won the first $1 million top prize in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. He purchased the winning ticket at Compare Foods and chose a lump sum payment of $600,000, taking home $430,503 after taxes. The Bonus Match game, popular since its August 2023 debut, still has four top prizes remaining, exciting the local community and underlining the importance of responsible gambling.
Clayton, N.C. – Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal, a resident of Clayton, has made headlines after winning the first $1 million top prize in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s new game, the $1,000,000 Bonus Match. Espinal purchased the winning ticket from Compare Foods located on East Second Street in Clayton, marking a remarkable moment for both him and the local community.
The Bonus Match game, which debuted in August 2023, offers a total of five $1 million top prizes. Following Espinal’s win, there are currently four such prizes still available for players. This game has quickly gained popularity and provided lucrative opportunities for residents eager to try their luck.
When presented with the choice of how to receive his winnings, Espinal opted for the lump sum payment of $600,000, bypassing the annuity option that would have distributed $50,000 annually over 20 years. After accounting for federal and state tax deductions, Espinal took home a total of $430,503, allowing him to enjoy the financial boost while still having a considerable amount set aside for future needs.
The announcement of his win came from the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL), which manages the state’s lottery operations, aimed at generating funds for education. The lottery’s mission includes supporting public education initiatives through the proceeds garnered from ticket sales.
This auspicious win for Espinal occurs in a region that has recently seen a surge in lottery wins. Notably, another resident of Clayton won a $2 million prize in the Powerball lottery on Labor Day, having matched five white balls with a $3 online Power Play ticket. The odds of winning a Powerball drawing are approximately 1 in 292 million, highlighting the lucky streak that has seemingly struck Clayton.
As of now, the Powerball jackpot has climbed to $1.3 billion, with the winner able to choose a lump sum of $589 million. While substantial winnings can change lives, the lottery also comes with a message to play responsibly. Individuals who may be struggling with gambling issues are encouraged to reach out to the NC Problem Gambling Helpline for assistance and support.
Espinal’s life-altering win serves as a reminder of the excitement and opportunities that come from playing the lottery, but it also emphasizes the importance of responsible gambling. As players decide to engage with these games, awareness of the potential risks associated with gambling must always be considered.
In conclusion, Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal’s substantial win from the Bonus Match game is not only significant for him but also for the community of Clayton, sparking curiosity and interest in the new lottery game. This event reiterates the notion that fortune can strike when one least expects it, and with four $1 million prizes yet to be claimed, the excitement surrounding the Bonus Match game is far from over.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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