Lucky teacher wins $172K off $1 lottery ticket she bought on the way home from school

The odds of winning a lottery jackpot are long. What are the odds when compared to other long-odd events? (Source: CNN/file/NOAA/AP/DCC)
Published: May 1, 2025 at 9:38 AM CDT
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) – A teacher in North Carolina won $172,302 from a $1 lottery ticket she bought on her way home from school last Thursday.

Victoria Washington bought her lucky Quick Pick ticket from Saturn Petroleums, according to officials with the North Carolina Education Lottery.

“It was the most exciting feeling I’ve ever had,” she recalled. “It was unreal.”

Washington, a teacher for over 20 years, told lottery officials she had matched four balls two other times, making her hopeful she could get all five one day.

“I’ve had some success before, but nothing like this,” the veteran teacher said.

According to lottery officials, the odds of matching all five balls are 1 in 962,598. Washington said she called her friend right away to share the big news.

“It was thrilling,” Washington said. “It still hasn’t sunk in yet.”

When Washington claimed her prize at lottery headquarters on Wednesday, April 30, she took home $123,627 after taxes.

She plans to buy a new car with her winnings.