Brunswick County man wins $100,000 in state lottery

SOUTHPORT, N.C. (WWAY) — A stop for gas on Wednesday ended with Angelo Collins of Southport running into his house screaming after he won the first $100,000 top prize in a new scratch-off game.

“It’s a dream,” Collins said. “It couldn’t have come at a better time too.” 

Collins bought his lucky $100,000 Cash Payday ticket from the Circle K on North Howe Street in Southport. He rushed home to show his wife the winning $30 scratch-off.

“We just looked at each other in shock,” Collins recalled. “It was crazy.” 

He arrived at lottery headquarters Thursday to claim his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $72,018.

“It still hasn’t sunk in,” Collins said. “It’s just a blessing.” 

He plans to use his winnings to pay bills and help his family. 

The $100,000 Cash Payday game debuted this month with 80 $100,000 top prizes. Seventy-nine $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.

Education programs in Brunswick County received $6.3 million in support from lottery funds last year.