Clayton, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal, a resident of Clayton, has won the first $1 million prize in North Carolina’s $1,000,000 Bonus Match lottery game. The ticket was purchased shortly after the game’s launch. Espinal opted for a lump sum payment of $600,000, ultimately taking home $430,503 after taxes. The North Carolina Education Lottery announced this significant win, highlighting the ongoing excitement of lottery games and the remaining prizes available.
Johnston County Resident Wins First $1 Million Prize in North Carolina’s New Lottery Game
Clayton, N.C. — Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal, a local resident of Clayton, has become the first player to win the top prize of $1 million in North Carolina’s newly launched $1,000,000 Bonus Match lottery game. The win marks a significant milestone for the game, which debuted in August 2023, offering five top prizes of one million dollars each.
Details of the Winning Ticket
The winning ticket was purchased at Compare Foods, a grocery store located on East Second Street in Clayton. The ticket’s purchase was made shortly after the game’s launch, and it was the first to claim the game’s highest incentive. As of now, there are four $1 million prizes remaining unclaimed in the Bonus Match game, signaling ongoing opportunities for players to win substantial amounts.
Options and Final Payout
Following his victory, Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal was given an option to receive his prize either as an annuity of $50,000 annually over 20 years or as a lump sum. He chose the latter, receiving a lump sum payment of $600,000. After deducting state and federal taxes, his final take-home amount totaled $430,503.
Official Announcement and Context
The North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL) announced the victory, highlighting the excitement surrounding the game’s debut and its potential for large prizes. The winning news arrives amidst other notable lottery wins in North Carolina, including a recent $2 million Powerball jackpot won by another Clayton resident on Labor Day.
Recent Lottery Wins and Odds
The $2 million Powerball prize was won by a player who matched five white balls in the drawing, having purchased a $3 online Power Play ticket. Powerball’s overall odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 292 million. The current Powerball jackpot has climbed to $1.3 billion, with the cash option for a winner standing at about $589 million.
Responsible Gambling Resources
The report emphasizes the importance of responsible gambling. Individuals who have concerns about gambling behaviors are encouraged to contact the NC Problem Gambling Helpline for support and resources.
This sequence of lottery wins illustrates the ongoing excitement and enormity of potential jackpots available in North Carolina. The $1 million Bonus Match game continues to offer players an opportunity for life-changing prizes with its remaining top awards.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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South Carolina Residents Celebrate Lottery Wins
Three South Carolina Residents Win $50,000 in Powerball Drawings
Major Changes to Mega Millions Lottery in Chicago
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
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
