RALEIGH, N.C. — Lance Spencer of Chester, South Carolina, is celebrating after his $1 Cash 5 ticket became a $178,158 jackpot dream come true.
“I’m going to make some good memories with my grandkids with this,” he said.
Spencer bought his Quick Pick ticket for Thursday’s Cash 5 drawing from QuikTrip on Sandy Porter Road in Charlotte. He said he works nights as a driver and bought the ticket on his way to work.
“I was just driving around that night thinking about what it would be like to win,” he said. “I just had a dollar and a dream.”
Later that night, he looked up the results of the drawing.
Playing the lottery is a form of gambling. If you are concerned about your gambling or worried about a friend, you can call the NC Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543. You can also contact the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
“I checked the jackpot amount first and saw someone hit it because it was back to $100,000,” Spencer recalled. “Then I checked my ticket and smiled. It was awesome.”
Spencer arrived at lottery headquarters Monday to collect his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $126,938.
He said he will use the winnings to do some projects around the house, go on a vacation with his grandchildren, and put the rest in savings.
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.