A lucky bloke has pocketed an astonishing lottery jackpot after missing it by just a number one week before.
Joshua Allen was stunned when he matched all five numbers to win the USD 662,878 (GBP 523,375) Cash 5 jackpot on Tuesday, 28th November.
The player who lives in the city of Raleigh, in the US state of North Carolina, said the win followed a week after he missed the jackpot by just one number.
Allen said in a statement obtained by Newsflash from North Carolina Education Lottery: “About a week ago I actually matched four of the five balls playing Cash 5.
He reportedly bought the ticket online and let the computer choose the numbers by using the Quick Pick option.
And the main reason he decided to play is because his grandfather used to love the same game.
Allen explained: “It was always his favorite game over the years so I decided to play it because he did.”
For the win, the lucky man beat the odds of 1 in 962,589. He said: “It was surreal.”
Allen collected USD 472,303 (GBP 372,921) after state and federal taxes on Thursday, 30th November.
He said he plans to use the winnings to pay off his student loans, in addition to “putting a down payment on a house.”
North Carolina Education Lottery officials said: “Cash 5 is one of six lottery games in North Carolina where players have the option of buying their tickets at a retail location or with Online Play through the lottery’s website or the NC Lottery Official Mobile App.
“Tonight’s Cash 5 jackpot stands at USD 110,000 [GBP 86,861].
“During the holiday season, Play Smart, Gift Smart raises awareness that lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for kids as part of a national gift responsibly campaign.
“Research shows that the earlier someone participates in or is exposed to gambling, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life.”
