The lucky man thought he was playing in demo mode
A Raleigh resident, Alphonzo Oates, recently won big through the North Carolina Education Lottery, turning a $1 ticket into an epic jackpot of $177,749. Initially believing he was in demo mode while playing the Wheel of Bonuses game, Oates was shocked when the massive win became a reality.
Speaking with lottery officials, Oates expressed his disbelief: “I thought I was playing in demo mode. It surprised the heck out of me.” He visited the Lottery headquarters to claim his prize, leaving with $127,092 after taxes.
Oates shared plans for his winnings, revealing his intent to pay off his daughter’s final year of college. He described the gesture as her “Christmas gift,” celebrating the opportunity to ensure her graduation without debt. Oates also admitted his fondness for digital instant games, calling them a fun way to pass time.
The Lottery offers 33 digital instant games
The Wheel of Bonuses digital game, part of the North Carolina Education Lottery’s offerings, costs between $0.50 and $30.00 per play. With progressive jackpots and top-prize odds of 1 in 31,034,483, the game continues to attract players seeking big wins.
At present, the jackpot for the Wheel of Bonuses game stands at an estimated $257,662. This title is one of 33 digital instant games accessible via the lottery’s mobile app or official website, providing players with numerous chances to win big while enjoying engaging gameplay.
