LuAnn Chico of Lexington, North Carolina, claimed a $100,000 lottery prize at state lottery headquarters in Raleigh on September 21, 2026, marking the second time she won that exact amount playing the same scratch-off game. Her previous $100,000 win occurred in August 2025 on another ticket from the “Ruby Red 7’s” instant game. After state and federal tax withholdings, Chico received a net payout of $72,016.
Lexington player beats the odds with dual scratch-off wins
Chico purchased her second winning ticket while grocery shopping at the Food Lion supermarket located on North N.C. Highway 150 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Her decision to play her favorite $20 instant scratch-off game, “Ruby Red 7’s,” resulted in an identical second-tier prize to her win from the previous year.
When claiming her prize, Chico told North Carolina Education Lottery officials that the second win felt more exciting than the first. Local community members in Lexington have since asked her for luck-sharing gestures, such as rubbing her arm or purchasing tickets on their behalf. Chico declined those requests, noting that lottery outcomes depend entirely on random luck.
Chico used her August 2025 winnings to support her four grandchildren. While she plans to distribute a portion of the September 2026 prize to her family, she and her husband intend to use most of the new funds to finance a two-week beach vacation.
Ruby Red 7s prize pool and remaining tickets
The North Carolina Education Lottery launched the $20 “Ruby Red 7’s” scratch-off game in August 2025. The game features multiple prize tiers, with overall odds of winning any prize established at 1 in 3.45. Following Chico’s claim on September 21, 2026, the available inventory of major prizes decreased.
The table below details the prize structure, original prize quantities, and remaining winning tickets for the “Ruby Red 7’s” game as of late September 2026:
| Prize Tier Value | Total Prizes Offered | Prizes Remaining |
|---|---|---|
| $2,000,000 (Top Prize) | 3 | 2 |
| $100,000 (Second Tier) | 9 | 1 |
| $10,000 (Third Tier) | 30 | 5 |
Because instant games sell tickets continuously across thousands of retail locations in North Carolina, the exact number of remaining prizes changes daily. Players can track active scratch-off inventory updates directly via the North Carolina Education Lottery’s official website.
Tax withholdings for North Carolina lottery winners
Prizes of $100,000 won through the North Carolina Education Lottery are subject to both federal and state tax withholdings before distribution. The lottery organization automatically deducts these taxes from prizes exceeding $5,000.
For Chico’s $100,000 payout, the combined withholdings totaled $27,984, leaving a final sum of $72,016. The standard withholding rates applied to lottery winnings in North Carolina include:
- Federal income tax withholding: A flat rate of 24% for U.S. citizens and resident aliens with valid tax identification.
- State income tax withholding: North Carolina enforces a state tax withholding rate of 4.75% on lottery winnings.
Individual tax liabilities may vary depending on the winner’s total annual bracket, deductions, and filing status. Lottery officials recommend that winners of major financial prizes consult with qualified certified public accountants or financial advisors to manage their tax obligations.
How to participate in draw games and scratch-offs
While local North Carolina players buy physical scratch-offs at supermarkets like Food Lion, residents in many jurisdictions can also participate in draw games online. You can order lottery tickets online for multi-state drawings, which offers a secure alternative to physical retail purchases.
Unlike scratch-off games with fixed ticket pools, draw games feature rolling jackpots that grow based on ticket sales and the time elapsed between winning draws. Recent major drawings include cases like the Iowa ticket wins $6.14 million Lotto America jackpot in October 2026 draw, demonstrating how jackpot games distribute large top prizes. Other states host localized drawings with different structural designs. For example, a Missouri woman wins $228,000 Show Me Cash jackpot after envying herself, proving that regional daily games offer alternative prize formats to nationwide drawings.
Frequently asked questions
What are the overall odds of winning a prize in the Ruby Red 7s scratch-off?
The overall odds of winning any prize in the North Carolina Lottery’s $20 Ruby Red 7’s game are 1 in 3.45. These odds represent the likelihood of winning any payout level, ranging from the minimum ticket-value prize up to the $2 million top prize.
Where must winners claim a $100,000 lottery prize in North Carolina?
North Carolina lottery prizes of $100,000 or more cannot be claimed at local retail locations or regional offices. Winners must visit the North Carolina Education Lottery headquarters in Raleigh to present their winning ticket, complete a claim form, and provide valid identification.
Are lottery prizes in North Carolina subject to federal and state taxes?
Yes. The North Carolina Education Lottery must withhold 24% for federal taxes and 4.75% for state taxes on all prizes over $5,000 won by U.S. citizens or residents.
Play responsibly. The lottery is a form of entertainment, not an investment. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, please contact the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential support.
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