Clayton, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal from Clayton has won $1 million in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. This game debuted recently and offers five top prizes. Espinal selected a lump sum payment of $600,000 and took home approximately $430,503 after taxes. His win coincides with other recent lottery successes in the area, including a $2 million Powerball prize. The North Carolina Education Lottery encourages responsible participation in games of chance.
Clayton, North Carolina – Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal, a resident of Clayton, has won the inaugural $1 million top prize in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s newly launched $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. The winning ticket was purchased at Compare Foods, located on East Second Street in Clayton.
The Bonus Match game officially debuted in August 2023 and promises five top prizes of $1 million. As of now, there are still four such prizes available for players. Espinal’s victory marks a significant milestone for the game, highlighting the excitement surrounding its early days.
Upon winning, Espinal was faced with the decision of claiming his prize in two ways: as an annuity of $50,000 per year for a span of 20 years, or a one-time lump sum payment. Espinal opted for the lump sum, which is set at $600,000. After applicable state and federal tax withholdings, he walked away with a total of $430,503.
This announcement was made by the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL), paving the way for more residents to aspire to similar winnings. This good fortune for Espinal aligns with other recent lottery successes in North Carolina, notably a separate $2 million Powerball prize that was won by another Clayton resident on Labor Day. This Powerball winner matched five white balls in the drawing after purchasing a $3 online Power Play ticket.
The overall odds of winning a Powerball drawing are approximately 1 in 292 million, making Espinal’s win particularly noteworthy as it occurs within the backdrop of other significant lottery events. The Powerball jackpot currently sits at $1.3 billion, with the winner having the option to receive a lump sum payment of $589 million.
The recent celebrations surrounding the victories in the lottery have revived interest in games of chance within the state, offering hope to players of the Bonus Match game and its remaining prizes. Players are continuously encouraged to participate responsibly, with resources available for those who may have concerns about gambling habits.
The North Carolina Education Lottery also highlights the importance of seeking help through the NC Problem Gambling Helpline for individuals wary of their gambling behaviors. This organization is committed to providing support and guidance to those in need, reaffirming the commitment to community well-being alongside the excitement of large monetary winnings.
Lucky winners like Espinal exemplify the potential rewards of participating in the lottery, yet they also reflect the necessity for prudent engagement with games of chance. As the state continues to see a surge in participation and winnings, players are urged to remain informed about the options available to them and to embrace responsible gambling practices.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mega Millions Jackpot Surges to $423 Million
Jeremy Wilson Becomes Multi-Millionaire with Lottery Win
South Carolina Lottery Results Bring Joy to Players
Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $423 Million
Newton Resident Wins $100,000 in Lottery
South Carolina Education Lottery Reveals Latest Draw Results
Thousands Celebrate Wins in North Carolina Pick 3 Lottery
South Carolina Education Lottery Announces Winning Numbers
Three South Carolina Residents Win $50,000 in Powerball
Mega Millions Lottery Expands Players’ Opportunities
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 AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken 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 Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. 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.
