Brunswick County man wins $200,000 top prize on new scratch-off game

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Brunswick County man is celebrating a major win just weeks after recovering from heart surgery.

John Watson of Ash won the first $200,000 top prize in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s new scratch-off game, 5 Times Lucky, after purchasing a ticket at the Scotchman store on Whiteville Road in Shallotte.

Watson traveled to Raleigh on Wednesday with his wife, Lois, and one of their four children to claim the prize at lottery headquarters. According to Lois, the win was “just the icing on the cake” after Watson’s smooth recovery and return to good health.

After required state and federal tax withholdings, Watson took home $143,501. He said he plans to use the money for further healthcare expenses and possibly to purchase a new truck.

The 5 Times Lucky game launched earlier this month, and Watson is the first person to claim the top prize. Four more top prizes of $200,000 remain to be won.

According to the North Carolina Education Lottery, more than $6 million raised by lottery ticket sales helped support education programs in Brunswick County.