Stacy Radford Wins Big in Lucky for Life, Chooses Lump Sum

North Carolina Player Hits Big, Plans Home Purchase After Lottery Win

Stacy Radford couldn’t believe her luck when she checked her lottery ticket—half asleep and skeptical, she kept thinking, “Something can’t be right here.”

The moment of disbelief turned into reality: Radford won $25,000 a year for life in the Lucky for Life game. She plans to put the winnings toward a big purchase. “I’m going to buy a home,” she told lottery officials.

The winning ticket was purchased at a Speedway gas station in Snow Hill, about 70 miles southeast of Raleigh. Using family birthday numbers, Radford beat the 1-in-1.8 million odds by matching all but one number in the Oct. 6 drawing, scoring the game’s second-highest prize.

Instead of taking annual payments, Radford chose the lump sum of $390,000, leaving her with $279,826 after taxes. Her win comes just a day after another North Carolina player hit the same $25,000-per-year prize, continuing a streak of big wins in the state.

While many enjoy lottery games responsibly, it’s important to remember that gambling can become an addiction for some. If you or someone you know struggles, help is available via the National Gambling Hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or the National Council on Problem Gambling.