Friend’s lottery win leads dad to try his luck. Now he celebrates much bigger NC prize
A friend’s lottery win led a dad to try his luck — and he scored an even bigger win.
Melvin Brooks’ decision to buy the scratch-off ticket paid off when he won the first top prize in a new game, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery.
“It’s not every day that you win $400,000,” Brooks told lottery officials in a June 11 news release.
Brooks bought his winning ticket at the Circle A Food Store in Mount Holly, a roughly 15-mile drive northwest from Charlotte. He was inspired to play the $400,000 Jackpot game after it proved to be a lucky choice for his friend.
“I saw a friend’s post that he won $100 on that scratch-off so I decided to try it,” Brooks told officials.
Brooks said he was with his cousin when he checked how his $5 ticket fared. When they discovered his good fortune, they both celebrated.
Brooks, who lives in the Gaston County town of Stanley, kept $286,001 after taxes. He plans to put the prize money toward his mortgage and help his family.
It’s not the first time a friend has led someone to hit the jackpot. Another North Carolina lottery player bought a life-changing ticket at the suggestion of his friend, McClatchy News reported in 2021.
This story was originally published June 11, 2024 at 11:55 AM with the headline "Friend’s lottery win leads dad to try his luck. Now he celebrates much bigger NC prize."
