RALEIGH – John Vickers of China Grove said it was “surreal” to win a jackpot in his favorite game, Carolina Cash 5, of more than half a million dollars.

His Quick Pick ticket, bought through the NC Lottery Official Mobile App on a smartphone, beat odds of 1 in 962,598 to win the Monday night jackpot of $518,547. After federal and state tax withholding, he took home $366,872.

“It’s very exciting,” said Vickers on Wednesday as he claimed his prize. “Just very exciting to be able to take care of my family and not stretch anymore.”

 Vickers says he uses the app to buy tickets because of its convenience.

Cash 5 is a statewide draw game that gives players the chance to win a jackpot every single night. Tickets cost $1 and players can buy tickets at most lottery retailers or through Online Play on the lottery’s website. The jackpot for Thursday’s drawing is $120,000.

Ticket sales from draw games like Cash 5 make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $700 million a year for education. For details on how lottery funds have helped all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website. https://www.nclottery.com.