North Carolina man wins $8 million lottery prize
Jan 15, 2025
DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) – A Durham man started the new year by trying his luck in a new lottery game on Monday, coming away with the $8 million top prize.
Everett Harris purchased his lucky ticket from Tommy’s Mini Mart on South Miami Boulevard in Durham.
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“I was just on a roll,” Harris said. “Every ticket seemed to be a winner.”
The $8 Million Money Maker game made its debut in December with five top prizes of $8 million and 10 prizes of $100,000. Tickets cost $50 each.
(Source: North Carolina Education Lottery)
“I really didn’t believe what I was seeing,” he recalled. “I hit the big one.”
Harris had a big decision to make when he arrived at lottery headquarters on Tuesday – either receive his prize through a yearly $400,000 payment over the next 20 years or a lump sum of $4.8 million. He elected for the one-time $4.8 million option, taking home $3,444,014 after state and federal tax withholdings.
“It’s all luck and it was my lucky day yesterday,” Harris said.
He plans to use his winnings to buy a new truck, work on his house and pay some bills.
Four $8 million prizes and nine $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed in the $8 Million Money Maker game.
Where can I get the latest lottery numbers?
Watch lottery drawings on FOX8! Mega Millions airs at 11 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Powerball airs at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The NC Lottery airs at 11:22 p.m. every night.
You can also find the lottery results online on the FOX8 website.