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Lottery player waited for jackpot to grow. It paid off big time in North Carolina

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A lottery player waited for a jackpot to grow — and it paid off big time in North Carolina.

Shawn Gallagher learned he won a $539,813 prize, and he shared the good news with his wife.

“She wanted to kiss me,” the lucky winner told the N.C. Education Lottery in an Oct. 7 news release.

Gallagher won big after he kept an eye on the jackpot for the Carolina Cash 5 game. After the top prize exceeded a half-million dollars, he decided to spend $1 on an online ticket.

“I have a fear of missing out when it’s a big pot,” Gallagher told lottery officials.

It turns out, his ticket beat 1-in-962,598 odds to match all the numbers picked in the Oct. 4 drawing. Now, he hopes to put his prize money toward bills and his mortgage.

While lottery officials originally said Gallagher was from Hertford County, a spokesperson later told McClatchy News via email that he lives in Franklin County. The winner kept $387,317 after taxes.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Simone Jasper

The News & Observer

Simone Jasper is a reporter covering breaking stories for The News & Observer and real-time news in the Carolinas.

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Simone Jasper

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