A man from Mooresville in North Carolina has just won the lottery in the state. He was able to split the Quick Pick jackpot prize after he bought the ticket online. He is now $324,000 richer - and the odds of him winning the Quick Pick were one in almost a million!

A North Carolina man's decision to try his luck online turned into a life-changing moment after he secured a share of a six-figure lottery jackpot.

Chad Welch, a resident of Mooresville, was able to purchase a Quick Pick ticket online - and it matched all five white ball numbers in the 6th of October North Carolina Education Lottery drawing. His lucky ticket was one of two that correctly matched the winning numbers, resulting in a split of the $649,128 jackpot. Welch walked away with an impressive $324,564 before taxes.

With the odds of hitting all five numbers in a Quick Pick drawing standing at a staggering 1 in 962,598 (almost one in a million), Welch's win was nothing short of extraordinary. He just collected his winnings this week and, after mandatory federal and state tax deductions, took home just over $232,000.

Winning from the comfort of home

Welch's victory demonstrates the convenience of the North Carolina Education Lottery's online platform. Cash 5, the game he played, is one of six lottery games in the state of North Carolina that offers an online purchasing option. Players can buy their tickets through the lottery's official website or through the mobile app, in addition to being able to purchase from physical retail locations.

For Thursday's upcoming drawing, the Cash 5 jackpot has reset to $100,000, giving players another chance to test their luck.

The impact of the lottery on local education

While Welch's personal fortune has taken a positive turn, the North Carolina Education Lottery also continues to benefit communities across the state. According to the lottery's official website, more than $10 million was raised last year for education programs in Iredell County, where Mooresville is located.

Proceeds from the lottery support initiatives such as school construction, college scholarships, and transportation assistance for students. The lottery has been a vital funding source for education in North Carolina, contributing millions annually to public schools and related programs.

Responsible Gambling awareness

Though stories like Welch's highlight the exciting possibilities of winning big, officials continue to emphasize responsible gambling. The lottery provides resources for those who may be struggling with gambling-related issues.

Anyone concerned about their gambling habits or those of a friend or family member can reach out to the North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543. Additionally, the National Helpline for problem gambling is available at 1-800-522-4700.

A life-changing moment

Winning a significant lottery prize can be life-altering, and Welch's success serves as inspiration for many hopeful players in the state and beyond. Whether they choose to buy a ticket online or at a store, each draw presents the unique opportunity to dream big.

As the Cash 5 game continues with its daily draws, players across North Carolina will be eager to see if luck is on their side - just as it was for Welch. For those feeling lucky, the next drawing is just around the corner. But as always, the golden rule of lottery play remains: Play responsibly and within your means.