Asheville, North Carolina, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Lee Cox from Asheville, North Carolina, has claimed a $120,000 jackpot from the Cash 5 lottery game. After taxes, he plans to use his winnings to buy land at Holden Beach. The victory brought immense excitement, marking a significant moment for Cox and his family.
Asheville Man Wins $120,000 Lottery Jackpot and Plans to Purchase Land at Holden Beach
Asheville, North Carolina—A local resident has claimed a significant lottery prize after winning $120,000 in the Cash 5 game. The winning ticket was purchased for just $1 at the iMarket store on Tunnel Road during the week of September 15. The winner, identified as Lee Cox, was officially announced as the jackpot winner on Friday, September 19.
Details of the Win
After discovering his lottery victory, Cox experienced a nightsleep disturbance, feeling excited and unable to rest. He shared that he felt like “a kid at Christmas” upon learning of his good fortune. His wife also was overwhelmed with enthusiasm and was unable to sleep as well. Cox visited the lottery headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Monday, September 22 to claim his prize.
Prize Breakdown and After-Tax Compensation
Initially, Cox’s gross winnings totaled $120,000. However, after federal and state taxes, the final amount received by the winner was $86,101. This sum represents the net payout following the tax deductions required by law.
Future Plans for the Winnings
With his recent earnings, Cox has plans to purchase land at Holden Beach. This location is along the North Carolina-South Carolina coastline and is a popular area for real estate investments and vacation properties. Cox expressed his intention to use part of his winnings to secure a piece of property in this scenic coastal region.
About the Lottery and Odds of Winning
The Cash 5 game has specific odds for winning the jackpot — 1 in 962,598. Players can participate either by purchasing a physical ticket at authorized retail locations, such as the iMarket, or through the NC Lottery Official Mobile App. The game involves selecting five numbers, and matching all five wins the jackpot.
Additional Information and Responsible Gaming
Officials remind participants that playing the lottery should be done responsibly. For individuals who may be struggling with gambling-related issues, resources such as the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network are available at 1-800-522-4700 to offer support and assistance. Responsible play is encouraged to prevent potential gambling problems.
Background Context
The lottery in North Carolina offers multiple games, including Cash 5, which provides players with opportunities to win substantial sums for a minimal ticket price. While the odds of winning the Cash 5 jackpot are relatively low, wins happen frequently enough to motivate participation. Winners are encouraged to claim their prizes promptly at lottery headquarters and seek financial guidance if needed. Miller, who purchased the winning ticket, represents a typical example of an everyday player experiencing a life-changing moment through a simple purchase at a local store.
This recent jackpot winner’s success underscores the importance of responsible play and awareness about lottery odds and prizes. The lottery continues to be a popular form of entertainment and the possibility, however slim, of winning a large sum remains a draw for many players across North Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBTV News
- Wikipedia: Lottery
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Search: North Carolina lottery
- WLOS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Luck
- WSOC TV
- Google News: Asheville lottery winners
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.
