September 21, 2025

Johnston County Man Wins $1 Million Prize in Lottery Game

Johnston County, N.C., September 21, 2025

News Summary

Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal from Clayton has won the first $1 million top prize in North Carolina’s $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. The winning ticket was purchased at Compare Foods in Clayton, and Espinal chose a lump sum payout of approximately $430,503 after taxes. The game debuted in August 2023 and has garnered significant local attention.

Johnston County Man Wins First $1 Million Prize in North Carolina Lottery’s New Game

Johnston County, N.C. — A local resident has won the inaugural $1 million top prize in the newly launched $1,000,000 Bonus Match game by the North Carolina Education Lottery. Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal, a resident of Clayton, secured the first $1 million top prize in the game, which officially debuted in August 2023.

Details of the Winning Ticket

The winning ticket was purchased at Compare Foods, located on East Second Street in Clayton. The $1,000,000 Bonus Match game currently offers a total of five $1 million top prizes, with four still available for players to claim. This marks a significant milestone for the new game, which has been popular among local players since its launch.

Prize Options and Payout

After winning, Espinal was given the choice between receiving his prize as an annual annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a one-time lump sum payment. He elected to take the lump sum, which was advertised as approximately $600,000 before taxes. Following state and federal tax withholdings, Espinal’s final payout was approximately $430,503.

Announcement and Local Impact

The North Carolina Education Lottery officially announced Espinal’s win, recognizing it as the first $1 million prize awarded in the Bonus Match game. The announcement has drawn attention to lottery activity in the area, especially amid recent notable wins in North Carolina.

Recent Lottery Winnings in the Area

Just days before Espinal’s big win, another Clayton resident claimed a $2 million Powerball prize—the largest recent jackpot awarded in the state. The winner matched five white balls in the Powerball drawing and had purchased a $3 online Power Play ticket. The Powerball jackpot currently stands at $1.3 billion, with the option for a single lump sum payment of approximately $589 million.

Odds and Gambling Cautions

The overall odds of winning a Powerball jackpot are approximately 1 in 292 million, emphasizing the rarity of such large prizes. While lottery games can offer significant prizes, authorities remind players to gamble responsibly, and those experiencing issues are encouraged to contact the NC Problem Gambling Helpline for support and resources.

Background Context

The Bonus Match game was introduced to provide players with new opportunities to win substantial prizes, with five $1 million top prizes available at launch. The game’s design aims to attract both casual and dedicated lottery players, contributing to funding for educational programs across North Carolina. The recent winning in Johnston County underscores the continued popularity of lottery games in the region and the ongoing interest among residents in participating in state-sponsored gambling activities.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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