September 21, 2025

Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal Wins $1 Million in NC Lottery

Clayton, N.C., September 21, 2025

News Summary

Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal of Clayton has won a top prize of $1 million in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s new $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. He purchased the winning ticket at Compare Foods in Clayton. After choosing a lump sum payment, Espinal took home $430,503 after taxes. The new game launched in August has quickly gained popularity, with four more top prizes still available. Espinal’s win comes amidst growing excitement in the lottery community, including recent substantial Powerball wins.

Clayton, N.C. – Jhonatan Hurtado Espinal, a resident of Clayton, has won the first $1 million top prize in the North Carolina Education Lottery’s new game, the $1,000,000 Bonus Match game. The winning ticket was purchased at Compare Foods, located on East Second Street in Clayton.

The $1,000,000 Bonus Match game, which debuted in August 2023, offers a total of five top prizes of $1 million, of which four are still available for claim. This game has quickly gained attention since its launch, and Espinal’s win marks a significant milestone for the new lottery initiative.

Upon winning, Espinal had the choice of receiving the prize as an annuity, which would amount to $50,000 per year over the course of 20 years, or opting for a lump sum payment. He chose to accept the lump sum option, taking home a total of $600,000 after taxes. Following deductions for state and federal withholdings, his final take-home amount was $430,503.

The announcement of Espinal’s win was made by the North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL), which encourages players to play responsibly. In recent weeks, this lottery game has been in the spotlight not only for Espinal’s win but also due to another related victory in the Clayton area. A different resident won a $2 million Powerball prize on Labor Day by matching five white balls in the drawing with a $3 Power Play ticket.

The overall odds for winning a Powerball drawing stand at approximately 1 in 292 million. Currently, the Powerball jackpot sits at an impressive $1.3 billion, with the winner having the option for a lump sum payout of $589 million.

The launch of the $1,000,000 Bonus Match game reflects the ongoing popularity of lottery games in North Carolina and the increasing opportunities for residents to win substantial prizes. While lottery participation can be an enjoyable experience for many, it is important for individuals to remain mindful of their gambling habits. The NC Problem Gambling Helpline is available for those who may feel their gambling has become an issue and need support.

The excitement surrounding recent lottery winnings highlights the potential for life-changing events that such games can offer. With prizes still available in both the Bonus Match game and the Powerball, residents are encouraged to participate, though they should always do so responsibly.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $423 Million
Jeremy Wilson Wins $10 Million Lottery in North Carolina
Winning Numbers Announced for South Carolina Lottery Draw
Mega Millions Jackpot Hits $423 Million
Newton Resident Wins $100,000 in Lottery
South Carolina Education Lottery Draw Results Announced
Charleston Faces Political Backlash and Community Milestones
North Charleston Man Charged with Possession of Stolen Handgun
North Carolina Lottery Draw Features Winning 2-2-2 Combination
South Carolina Lottery Announces Winning Numbers and Prizes

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston 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 Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor 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, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.