Clayton, N.C., September 21, 2025
News Summary
Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal, a resident of Clayton, is the first winner of the $1 million top prize in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. He purchased the winning ticket at Compare Foods in Clayton. Espinal opted for a lump sum payment of $600,000 before taxes, receiving $430,503 after withholdings. Currently, four $1 million prizes remain available in this newly launched game, adding to the excitement of North Carolina’s lottery scene, which also includes a massive Powerball jackpot.
Clayton, N.C. – Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal, a resident of Clayton, has become the first winner of the $1 million top prize in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s newly launched $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. The winning ticket was purchased from Compare Foods located on East Second Street in Clayton, confirming the store as a significant hotspot for lottery luck.
The Bonus Match game, which debuted in August 2023, offers a total of five top prizes of $1 million. Following Espinal’s win, there are currently four $1 million prizes still available for players. This game adds to the excitement surrounding North Carolina’s lottery offerings, particularly as players continue to chase big wins.
Upon winning, Espinal was presented with the option to receive his prize either as an annuity, structured as $50,000 per year over 20 years, or as a lump sum. He opted for the lump sum payment, taking home $600,000 before taxes. After state and federal withholdings, his final cash prize amounted to $430,503. This substantial windfall brings not only a sense of immediate financial relief but also the potential for long-term planning.
The announcement of Espinal’s victory was made by the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL), which has been actively promoting various games and strategies to engage more players. This latest win aligns with a recent trend of significant lottery results in North Carolina. Notably, another Clayton resident won a $2 million Powerball prize on Labor Day by matching five white balls in the drawing with a purchased $3 online Power Play ticket.
Currently, the Powerball jackpot has surged to an impressive $1.3 billion, with winners given the option to take a lump sum of $589 million. The lottery landscape in North Carolina is buzzing with anticipation, as both veteran players and newcomers alike place their bets on big prize opportunities. However, the odds of winning a Powerball drawing are estimated to be about 1 in 292 million, emphasizing the rarity of such enormous jackpots.
For those engaged in gambling or considering participation, it is essential to be aware of the resources available for problem gambling. The NC Problem Gambling Helpline offers support for individuals who may need assistance in managing their gambling activities. This initiative reinforces the responsible gambling message and encourages players to engage in the lottery responsibly.
The ongoing excitement surrounding the lottery in North Carolina exemplifies the state’s robust gaming culture and the potential for life-changing wins. As Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal enjoys his newfound wealth, players across the region remain hopeful for their chance at achieving similar fortune in future lottery drawings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Newberry College Golf Teams Compete at Savannah Lakes Fall Invitational
Mega Millions Jackpot Soars to $423 Million
Young Man Wins $10 Million in North Carolina Lottery
South Carolina Lottery Results Announced
Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $423 Million
Newton Resident Wins $100,000 in Lottery
South Carolina Education Lottery Draw Results Released
North Carolina Lottery Celebrates Massive Wins with 2-2-2 Combination
South Carolina Lottery Drawing Results Released
Three South Carolina Residents Win $50,000 in Powerball
Additional Resources
- ABC11 News
- WCNC News
- WXII 12 News
- North Carolina Lottery News
- The News Observer
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- Google Search: North Carolina Education Lottery
- Google Scholar: lottery winnings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: lottery
- Google News: North Carolina lottery news
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
