Durham woman claims Fast Play jackpot winnings at NC Education Lottery headquarters
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DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — A Durham woman now knows the feeling of becoming more than $150,000 richer in an instant.
Marlen Rios De Torres turned out to be the mystery winner of the unclaimed jackpot ticket after it was purchased at the Harris Teeter on N.C. 54 West in Durham.
Her $5 20X the Cash ticket won 50% of the progressive jackpot, which equaled a prize of $153,919.
She went to lottery headquarters Wednesday, at which time she told lottery officials she had believed a big lottery win would happen soon for her before purchasing the ticket.
“I just had a feeling like I was going to win big soon,” she said. “I could feel it.”
After required taxes were withheld, Rios De Torres took home $110,054.
“I know we’ll be okay now,” Rios De Torres said, explaining that she would plan to use the winnings to pay some bills.
According to the NC Education Lottery, Fast Play games don’t have drawings, and “can be played immediately like a scratch-off game” so players can know instantly if they’ve won. There are several instant cash prizes available as well as chance at a growing, progressive jackpot.
There are currently 13 Fast Play games available, with tickets ranging from $2 to $20. Jackpot amounts at the time of purchase are printed on the ticket.
