Barbara Hanks-Davis of Henderson is the first player to spin the lottery’s BIG SPIN prize wheel and win the game’s top prize of half a million dollars.

“I’m in overjoy!” Hanks-Davis said jumping up and down. “I can’t believe this is happening. I’m a BIG SPIN winner!”

The post office worker’s good fortune started when she stopped at the Han-Dee Hugo on Leesville Rd. in Raleigh to get some chicken nuggets during her lunch break. While there, she bought The BIG SPIN scratch-off ticket. She took the $5 game back to her car and started scratching. She saw the SPIN symbol so she went to the website www.ncbigspin.com and put her code in. That allowed her to spin a digital wheel. When it landed on The BIG SPIN, she couldn’t believe it.

“I thought, ‘This can’t be right. Maybe I hit the wrong button,’” Hanks-Davis said. “I called my son and had him check it and he said, ‘Yes mom. You did win.’ I started jumping and screaming on the phone. I was screaming and hollering, I was so excited. I had to calm myself down so I didn’t have a heart attack.”

Her good luck continued Monday during The BIG SPIN live event in Raleigh. Hanks-Davis stepped up to the prize wheel, raised her hands and gave it a big spin. She watched in anticipation as the wheel slowed down. The crowd roared when it stopped on $500,000.

“Woooh! Thank you lord,” Hanks-Davis said, as tears filled her eyes. “I just can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it. Holy Moly!”

Her husband, son, and soon to be daughter-in-law swept onto the stage as she was presented with the big check.

After required state and federal tax withholdings, Hanks-Davis took home $353,722. Hanks-Davis said she’s got a lot of plans for the money.

“First and foremost, I’m going to do something for me,” Hanks-Davis said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a situation to do something for myself. Then I’m going to make sure my family is taken care of. I’m also close to retirement, so hopefully this means I can retire a few years early.”

The BIG SPIN scratch-off ticket launched in October. Four more people have the chance to spin The BIG SPIN prize wheel for a chance to win $500,000.