Newton, North Carolina, September 18, 2025
News Summary
William Wheeler from Newton, North Carolina, won $100,000 in the North Carolina Education Lottery by purchasing a $50 scratch-off ticket. After tax withholdings, he took home $71,764 and plans to share the winnings with his wife and three daughters. This significant win is his largest in lottery history, and he emphasizes responsible financial management following this surprise fortune.
Newton, NC – William Wheeler, a resident of Newton, North Carolina, has become a lucky winner of $100,000 in the North Carolina Education Lottery. The winning ticket, purchased for $50 as part of the $8 Million Money Maker scratch-off game, was bought at Fast Phil’s in Statesville, NC. With this win, Wheeler beat incredible odds, coming in at 1 in 1,521,132 for the second-tier prize, classified as a notable achievement in the state’s lottery offerings.
Following the Winnings, Wheeler made a generous decision by choosing to give the majority of the prize money to his wife. With the tax withholdings from the federal and state government, Wheeler ended up taking home a check for $71,764. His wife is anticipated to distribute a portion of the winnings among their three daughters, creating the possibility that each child could receive approximately $23,921.33 if the amount is evenly divided.
Wheeler’s win is significant, particularly because it is the largest amount he has won in his lottery history. Although he has won in the past, none of his previous prizes have reached this magnitude. Since they are married, he is aware of the guidelines surrounding lottery winnings in relation to marital assets, indicating a thoughtful approach to their financial decision-making following the recent windfall.
The $8 Million Money Maker scratch-off game features different tiers of prizes, with the top prize of $8 million carrying even longer odds at 1 in 3,042,264. This means Wheeler’s substantial win places him among a select few who can celebrate both luck and strategy in their purchase choice.
Wheeler expressed feelings of extraordinary luck in light of this recent fortune. Living approximately 167 miles west of Raleigh, he claimed his winnings in the state capital, joining other winners in benefitting from the state lottery system’s funding allocations. The lottery serves to support education initiatives across North Carolina, contributing to various programs in public schools and universities.
Despite the joyous news, lottery officials take a responsible stance on gambling. They emphasized that gambling can lead to addiction and have provided necessary resources for individuals who may need guidance or help concerning gambling-related issues. This highlights the importance of treating such wins with care, both for the winner and their loved ones.
Wheeler’s story adds to the local lore of luck in North Carolina’s lottery landscape, shedding light on the human element behind unexpected financial gains. The willingness to share winnings with family underscores family values in the midst of newfound wealth and represents a common theme among lottery winners. As Wheeler navigates this windfall, his story serves as both inspiration and a reminder of the importance of responsible financial management.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Mass Woman Wins $10 Million on Scratch Ticket
- Google Search: Massachusetts lottery winners
- MassLive: Mass State Lottery Winner Plans to Buy House
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
- WCVB: Woman Wins $10 Million on Scratch-Off Ticket
- Google News: Lottery Winners
- Berkshire Eagle: Pittsfield $10 Million Scratch Ticket
- Google Scholar: Lottery Winners
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.
