Clayton, N.C., September 21, 2025
News Summary
Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal has made headlines after winning the first $1 million top prize in the Bonus Match game offered by the North Carolina Education Lottery. Purchased at Compare Foods in Clayton, Espinal chose a lump sum of $600,000, taking home $430,503 after taxes. With four more $1 million prizes remaining, the game has generated significant excitement in the region, highlighting growing lottery participation alongside other major wins.
Clayton, N.C. – Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal has made headlines after winning the first $1 million top prize in the new $1,000,000 Bonus Match game offered by the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL). The winning ticket was purchased from Compare Foods on East Second Street in Clayton.
The Bonus Match game, which debuted in August 2023, allows for a total of five $1 million top prizes. Currently, there are four more of these prizes still available to be claimed. Espinal’s significant win highlights the excitement surrounding this new lottery game in North Carolina.
Upon winning, Espinal faced a decision regarding how to take his prize: either as an annuity of $50,000 each year for 20 years or as a lump sum payment. Opting for immediate gratification, he chose the lump sum option of $600,000. After accounting for state and federal tax withholdings, Espinal walked away with a final amount of $430,503.
The announcement of his win is part of a larger trend of significant lottery winnings in North Carolina. Recently, another resident from Clayton bagged a major prize, winning $2 million in the Powerball drawing on Labor Day. That winning ticket matched five white balls and was purchased online for $3 with Power Play.
The Powerball currently boasts a staggering jackpot of $1.3 billion, with potential winners able to select a lump sum of $589 million. The overall odds of winning a Powerball drawing are estimated to be about 1 in 292 million.
The North Carolina Education Lottery emphasizes responsible gambling and encourages anyone who may have concerns regarding gambling to contact the NC Problem Gambling Helpline for support and assistance.
The surge in lottery winnings in the region has sparked interest among local residents, making the lottery a topic of conversation. With substantial jackpots and high-profile wins, individuals are increasingly tempted to try their luck at games that promise life-changing prizes.
Background of the Bonus Match Game
Launched in August 2023, the Bonus Match game was designed to attract players looking for a chance to win big prizes. The game’s structure and incentives cater to both casual players and dedicated lottery enthusiasts. With five top-tier prizes available, it adds excitement to the North Carolina lottery scene.
Recent Lottery Context
The increase in lottery participation in North Carolina is not just confined to the Bonus Match game. The competition among lotteries has intensified, with Powerball tickets gaining immense popularity. The allure of large jackpots has resulted in increased ticket sales, and with several big winners emerging from the state, it has captured public interest.
Conclusion
Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal’s remarkable win in the Bonus Match game reflects both personal luck and the broader trends within North Carolina’s lottery landscape. With remaining top prizes still up for grabs, it will be interesting to see how many more winners emerge in the coming weeks.
FAQ Section
What is the Bonus Match game?
The Bonus Match game is a new lottery game launched by the North Carolina Education Lottery in August 2023, featuring five $1 million top prizes.
How much did Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal win?
Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal won the first $1 million top prize in the Bonus Match game and chose a lump sum payment of $600,000, taking home $430,503 after taxes.
Are there more prizes available in the Bonus Match game?
Yes, there are currently four more $1 million prizes available to be claimed in the Bonus Match game.
What are the odds of winning the Powerball?
The overall odds of winning a Powerball drawing are about 1 in 292 million.
How can individuals seek help for gambling concerns?
Individuals concerned about gambling are encouraged to reach out to the NC Problem Gambling Helpline for support.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Winner | Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal from Clayton, N.C. |
| Winning Amount | $1 million top prize from Bonus Match Game |
| Prize Option Chosen | Lump sum of $600,000 |
| Take-Home Amount | $430,503 after taxes |
| Game Launch Date | August 2023 |
| Remaining Top Prizes | Four $1 million prizes left to claim |
| Powerball Jackpot | $1.3 billion |
| Powerball Winning Odds | 1 in 292 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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South Carolina Education Lottery Announces Latest Draw Results
Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $423 Million
Local Man Wins $100,000 in North Carolina Lottery
South Carolina Education Lottery Announces Winning Numbers
North Carolina Lottery Sees Huge Payout for 2-2-2 Winners
Mega Millions and Powerball Winners Announced
Three South Carolina Residents Win $50,000 in Powerball
DC Lottery Results for September 14, 2025
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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