#powerball Charlotte man claims $1 million Powerball prize

August 5th, 2013

Rickey Earnhardt of Charlotte, North Carolina plans to pay bills and save for the future after winning $1 million playing Powerball. His Quick Pick ticket matched all five white balls but not the Powerball in the July 27 drawing, beating odds of 1 in 5.1 million.

He learned of his big win on Wednesday afternoon while shopping at the Circle K on Albemarle Road in Charlotte, where he made his lucky purchase.

"The clerk said someone in the store had won," Earnhardt said. "I went straight home and checked my tickets. I couldn't believe it then and I still can't now. I couldn't sleep. It felt like Santa was coming."

After state and federal taxes were withheld, Earnhardt collected a check for $680,000.

"This feels fantastic," Earnhardt said as he held his check for the first time. "I'm very happy. This could not have come at a better time."

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