A man from Fort Mill, South Carolina, experienced a life-changing moment when he transformed a modest $30 lottery ticket into a staggering $1.03 million jackpot. Aaron Keers made this remarkable win playing the N.C. Education Lottery’s “Grand Fortune” roulette in the popular Monopoly game on January 22. This particular digital instant game offers a progressive jackpot that can be won at any time, and the odds of hitting this jackpot stood at an incredible 1 in 1.6 million.
“I took a lap and took a minute to calm down,” said a jubilant Keers, reflecting on the whirlwind of emotions following his win. Although he resides in South Carolina, Keers works across the state line in North Carolina, which allowed him to participate in the North Carolina lottery.
In a moment of excitement, he shared the good news with his wife, declaring over the phone, “Hey, our lives just changed,” to which she initially found it hard to believe.
After claiming his prize last Friday at the lottery headquarters in Raleigh, and following necessary federal and state tax deductions, Keers received a take-home amount of $743,340. He indicated that he intends to use his newfound wealth primarily to settle some bills.
The jackpot has since reset to $150,000 and is climbing, currently exceeding $583,000 as of Friday afternoon, adding even more excitement for future players. This win highlights not just the thrill of the lottery but also the potential for rewarding financial opportunities for those who take a chance.