A North Carolina woman got a life-changing surprise while playing her favorite lottery game from the comfort of home.

Santana McCoy, from Engelhard, spent $5 on the digital instant game Bison Bonanza—her go-to game, she told lottery officials. “It’s always the first game I play,” she said.

Then came the shocking moment: she hit the $219,685 jackpot. “I thought it was a dream,” McCoy admitted. When reality hit, she couldn’t contain her excitement. “I jumped up and hollered,” she said. Her son ran in to see what was happening, and the family marveled at her big win.

After taxes, McCoy took home $157,626. Her plans? Fix up her house, buy a car for herself and her son, and save the rest for a rainy day.

Bison Bonanza features a progressive jackpot that can be won anytime, though the odds are tough—1 in 6.2 million.

 

While many people enjoy games of chance responsibly, lottery officials also remind players that gambling can be addictive and harmful for some.

Recent News