Joseph Dusich II of Sanford said he will use his share of a $986,523 Cash 5 jackpot to buy his dream home.
“I’ve rented my whole life,” said Dusich, a facilities manager in Research Triangle Park. “So this is my chance to have a down payment on a house.”
Dusich’s Quick Pick ticket was one of three tickets that matched all five numbers in Monday’s drawing. Each will receive a third of the jackpot.
Dusich said he often buys his tickets using the N.C. Lottery Official Mobile App while sitting in his recliner in his living room. He said he got an email the morning after the drawing about his win.
“I can buy any time, and also appreciate you guys notifying me of my win,” said Dusich as he claimed his part of the prize, $328,841, on Wednesday. “It’s just way more convenient.”
After required federal and state tax withholdings, Dusich took home $232,655.
One of the other winners was Harrison Ridgell III of Lillington, who used his own combination of lucky numbers to win. He said he planned to donate his time and some of his prize money to a non-profit supporting youth in his community. The third winner of the jackpot has not yet claimed the final share.
Carolina Cash 5 tickets are $1 and drawings are held every night. Thursday’s jackpot is $100,000. Cash 5 is one of four lottery games in North Carolina where players have the option of buying their tickets either through the lottery’s website or with the app.
Ticket sales from draw games like Cash 5 make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $725 million a year for education. For details on how $4.4 million raised by the lottery made a difference in Lee County in 2019, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.