Annette Tennal from Shelby, North Carolina, experienced an unexpected stroke of luck this past Saturday when she won a staggering $676,572 jackpot while playing digital instant games from her car. Her husband was behind the wheel, completely unaware of the excitement that was unfolding as Tennal celebrated her life-changing win.
Initially in disbelief, the grandmother of four questioned the reality of her good fortune: “I was like, ‘Is this real,’” she recalled with laughter. She had been playing the Bison Bonanza game, which offers a progressive jackpot that can be won at any time. Tennal placed a $10 bet, and despite odds of 1 in 3.1 million, she successfully hit the top-level ‘Epic jackpot.’
Her joyful reaction included sharing the news with family members via text, who responded with animated dancing emojis, reflecting their happiness for her remarkable achievement. After claiming her prize at the lottery headquarters on Thursday and after federal and state taxes were withheld, Tennal walked away with $487,202.
With her significant winnings, she plans to settle bills and purchase a new car. The Bison Bonanza game allows players to wager between 50 cents and $30 per play. Following Tennal’s jackpot win, the game’s progressive jackpot reset to $50,000 and has since climbed to over $141,000.
Digital instant games are exclusively available on the lottery’s website and through the NC Lottery Official Mobile App, which currently features 66 different games. Additionally, the lottery continues to support education programs in Cleveland County, contributing $6.4 million in funds last year alone.
Tennal’s story not only highlights a wonderful personal victory but also underscores the positive impact of lottery earnings on local education. As she embarks on this new chapter, her experience serves as a reminder of the joy that unexpected wins can bring to individuals and their communities.