$10 Bet Turns Into $676,572 Jackpot for North Carolina Grandmother
A simple $10 online game turned into a life-changing moment for a grandmother in North Carolina and it happened while she was sitting in the passenger seat of her car.
Annette Tennal of Shelby was playing a digital instant game on her phone, just passing the time while her husband drove, when suddenly the screen lit up with something she never expected. She had hit a jackpot worth $676,572. At first, she thought it had to be a mistake. She stared at the numbers, wondering if they were real. Then the reality sank in and she couldn’t hold back her excitement. Her husband had no idea what was happening until she started shouting.
The winning ticket came from the “Bison Bonanza” digital instant game offered through the North Carolina Education Lottery. It’s an online game with a progressive jackpot, meaning the prize keeps growing until someone hits it. The odds of landing that top-level jackpot are about one in 3.1 million. After Tennal claimed her prize at lottery headquarters, federal and state taxes were withheld and she took home just over $487,000.
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She says the money will go toward paying bills and buying a new car. For many families, that kind of financial boost can ease years of pressure almost overnight. And stories like this often spark renewed interest in online lottery games, especially as more states expand digital access.
This win also highlights how lottery systems are evolving. Digital instant games are played exclusively online or through official mobile apps and dozens of options are available at any given time. After Tennal’s jackpot was claimed, the progressive prize reset to $50,000 and quickly began climbing again.
Beyond individual winners, lottery revenue plays a broader role. In Cleveland County alone, millions of dollars from lottery funds have gone toward supporting local education programs. Supporters argue that these games help fund schools and public initiatives, while critics continue to raise concerns about gambling risks and financial vulnerability. So every jackpot story sits within that larger national debate about responsibility, regulation and impact.
For Annette Tennal, though, this moment was deeply personal. A routine car ride turned into a memory she and her family will never forget. And for viewers watching around the world, it’s another reminder of how quickly circumstances can change with a single tap on a screen.
Stay with us for continuing coverage on major lottery wins, digital gaming trends and the policies shaping this growing industry.
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