For one lucky woman from Charlotte, North Carolina, a second-chance lottery win became a turning point in her life. Veronica Cunningham, a long-time lottery player and hopeful dreamer, turned a non-winning ticket into a $1 million payday, all thanks to a little-known promotion that rewarded her persistence.
How This Second-Chance Lottery Win Happened
Veronica played the “$10 Million Spectacular” scratch-off ticket, one of North Carolina’s most popular high-stakes games. Although her ticket wasn’t an instant winner, she didn’t toss it. Instead, she entered it into the North Carolina Education Lottery’s Second Chance Drawing — a feature that lets players scan eligible losing tickets for another shot at big prizes.
Among 1.9 million entries, her name was drawn as the top prize winner, earning her a life-changing $1 million. “It’s just wild,” she said after hearing the news. “I always had lots of hopes and dreams. This is beyond anything I imagined.”
From Scratch-Off to Second-Chance Jackpot
At lottery headquarters, Veronica opted for a lump-sum payout of $600,000 rather than the annuity option. After state and federal taxes, she took home $430,500 in cash — more than enough to pay off debts, help her family, and plan for a well-earned retirement.
Her first move? Paying off her mortgage. But she’s not stopping there. “This money gives me peace of mind,” she said. “I can start planning my retirement and help my kids. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance in life.”
Why This Second-Chance Lottery Win Matters
Veronica’s win is a reminder that second-chance prize draws aren’t just gimmicks — they’re real opportunities. Across the U.S., many state lotteries run similar programs, encouraging players to scan non-winning tickets for additional entries into future drawings.
These draws typically require players to create an online lottery account and register their tickets. While the odds can be steep due to high participation, Veronica’s story proves that persistence and optimism sometimes pay off in the biggest way.
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Last updated: April 10, 2025
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Reviewed by Felipe Morgante
