Unclaimed North Carolina Lottery Ticket Could Be Worth a Big Prize

A lottery player in Brunswick County could be sitting on a big surprise. The North Carolina Education Lottery is urging Lucky for Life players to check their tickets after a winning ticket worth a major prize remains unclaimed.

The lucky ticket was bought at E-Z Way Grocery on North Howe Street in Southport for the December 27, 2025, drawing. It matched all five white ball numbers and won the prize with the winning numbers: 8-12-24-26-42-17.

Key details:

• The winning ticket is still waiting for its owner.
• The odds of matching five white balls in Lucky for Life are about 1 in 1.8 million.
• Players should search wallets, drawers, cars, and anywhere they may have stored old lottery tickets.

North Carolina Education Lottery officials are hoping the winner comes forward soon. CEO Mark Michalko encouraged players to double-check their tickets before it’s too late.

The deadline to claim the prize is Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 5 p.m. After that date, the 180-day claim period for the December 27 drawing will expire.