Key Highlights
- Stanley Konat of Brownsville, Pa., won a $410,432 Cash 5 jackpot in North Carolina.
- Konat bought his ticket from Pik & Go on Broad Street in Rural Hall for the Jan. 5 drawing.
- After tax withholdings, he took home $295,553.
- The odds of winning are 1 in 962,598.
The Lottery’s Lure: A Pennsylvania Man Hits Big in North Carolina
Stanley Konat is no stranger to the thrill of chance. On a visit to his daughter, he decided to take a $1 Cash 5 ticket for a spin. Little did he know, this simple act would land him $410,432. But here’s the catch: it’s not as straightforward as it sounds.
From Quick Pick to Millions
Konat, in town visiting his daughter, hit the jackpot on January 5 with a lucky Quick Pick ticket from Pik & Go on Broad Street in Rural Hall. The odds of matching all five balls are 1 in 962,598—a statistic that might make even seasoned gamblers pause. But for Konat, it was just another day at the office—or perhaps more accurately, the lottery.
Taxes and Take-Home Pay
Claiming his prize on Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh, Konat was left with $295,553 after required federal and state tax withholdings. It’s a stark reminder that while the lottery might offer a tempting escape from reality, it doesn’t come without its own set of rules. After all, “No pain, no gain” could be the motto for Konat now.
Lottery as a Business
Cash 5 is one of six lottery games in North Carolina where players have the option to buy tickets at retail locations or online through the NC Lottery Official Mobile App. The game’s popularity underscores its role not just as a chance for big wins, but also as a significant revenue stream for the state. With a Tuesday jackpot of $175,000, it’s clear that while Konat hit the jackpot, others are still trying their luck.
Not always. At least, that’s the plan.