5 Must-Know Facts About The North Carolina Lottery: Latest Winners, New Games, And $1 Billion Education Impact

The North Carolina Education Lottery (NCEL) continues to be a major force in the state, not just for the thrill of multi-million dollar jackpots but also as a critical funding source for public education. As of December 2025, the excitement is palpable with major national jackpots like Powerball and Mega Millions reaching hundreds of millions, alongside the consistent launch of fresh, high-prize scratch-off tickets that keep players engaged across the state.

The NCEL operates with a clear mission: to maximize revenue for education. The fiscal year 2025 saw the lottery surpass all expectations, raising a record-breaking amount that directly funds teacher salaries, school construction, and other vital educational programs, cementing its role as a key contributor to North Carolina’s future. This comprehensive guide breaks down the latest news, the games you can play, and the real-world impact of every ticket sold.

Recent Winners, New Games, and the Current Jackpot Landscape (December 2025)

The North Carolina Lottery offers a diverse portfolio of games, from massive multi-state drawings to local, daily chances to win, ensuring there is a game for every type of player. The latest news is dominated by huge jackpots and the introduction of new, high-value instant games.

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North Carolina's Top Draw Games and Current Jackpots

The biggest headlines are often driven by the multi-state games, which regularly create instant millionaires in North Carolina. As of the current draw schedule in December 2025, the jackpots are soaring:

• Powerball: Draws are held Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 PM ET. The current jackpot is in the hundreds of millions, with the optional Double Play feature offering a second chance to win up to $10 million.
• Mega Millions: Draws take place Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 PM ET. The jackpot is also climbing, creating massive interest across the state.
• Carolina Cash 5: This NC-exclusive game offers a top prize starting at $100,000 and is drawn every night. It remains a favorite for consistent, local wins.
• Lucky for Life: A unique game offering a top prize of $1,000 a day for life, drawn nightly at 7:38 PM ET.
• Pick 3 & Pick 4: These daily games offer multiple chances to win every day, including a Pick 3 Daytime draw at 3:00 PM ET.

The Newest North Carolina Scratch-Offs for 2025

The NCEL continuously refreshes its instant scratch-off ticket lineup to keep the excitement high. The year 2025 has seen the launch of several popular games with massive top prizes:

• 200X The Cash: A premier $30 scratch-off ticket that offers some of the largest instant prizes available in the state.
• Multiplier Games: The popular Multiplier scratch-offs, including the $10 50X The Cash, are returning in February 2025 with "Bonus Numbers" for extra chances to win.
• $5 MONOPOLY: A themed game that offers a fun, new twist on instant winning.

Recent Major NC Lottery Winners

The NCEL regularly announces winners of $5,000 or more. Recent notable winners from 2025 include:

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• Herbert Black: Claimed a significant Mega Millions prize in July 2025.
• Jeffery Bradshaw: A recent Pick 4 winner who claimed a $5,000 prize in November 2025.
• Donald Tucker: Claimed a $50,000 prize from a Pick 4 draw in November 2025.

The Educational Impact: How NC Lottery Funds Are Allocated

The primary purpose of the North Carolina Education Lottery is to generate supplemental funds for public education. Every ticket purchased contributes to this mission, a key factor that differentiates it from other forms of gambling. The financial results from the most recent fiscal year demonstrate a massive commitment to the state's schools.

Record-Breaking FY 2025 Funding

The NC Education Lottery raised over $1.07 billion for education in fiscal year 2025, significantly surpassing the state's goal of $935 million by more than $141 million. Since its inception, the NCEL has raised over $12 billion for education across North Carolina.

Detailed Allocation of Lottery Proceeds

The total revenue generated by the lottery is distributed into three main categories. For every dollar spent, the majority goes back to the players and the state's schools:

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• Prizes: Approximately 62.4% of total revenue is returned to players as prize money.
• Education: Roughly 26.5% of revenue is allocated directly to education.
• Retailer Commissions: Around 7% goes to the retailers who sell the tickets.

Where the Education Money Goes

The portion allocated to education is distributed to specific, high-priority programs across the state. The funding is broken down into several vital areas:

• Classroom Teacher Salaries: A significant portion (around 43.6%) is used to support salaries for classroom teachers.
• School Construction: Funds are used for building, repairing, and renovating schools. This includes the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund, which provides large grants to districts with the greatest need for facility improvements.
• Teacher Assistants: Approximately 19.4% of the funds support teacher assistants in early grades.
• Scholarships: The remaining funds support college scholarships and financial aid programs.

Playing Smart: The NC Lottery App and Prize Claiming Process

Playing the lottery in North Carolina is easier and more secure than ever, thanks to the official mobile app and clear guidelines for claiming prizes.

The NC Lottery Official Mobile App

The NC Lottery Official Mobile App is an essential tool for modern players, offering convenience and security right from your smartphone. Key features include:

• Online Play: You can purchase tickets for your favorite draw games, including Powerball and Mega Millions, directly through the app.
• Ticket Checker: Use your phone's camera to scan the barcode on both draw and scratch-off tickets to instantly see if you've won.
• Responsible Gaming: The app includes features like a Loss Limit setting, which allows players to manage their budget and promote responsible play.
• Second Chance Drawings: Enter eligible non-winning scratch-off tickets into special second-chance drawings for another opportunity to win prizes.

How to Claim Your NC Lottery Winnings

The process for claiming a prize depends on the winning amount. It is crucial to sign the back of your ticket immediately after purchase.

1. Prizes Under $600

For tickets purchased in-store, these prizes can be claimed immediately at any authorized NC Lottery retailer. For tickets bought via Online Play on the app, prizes under $600 are automatically deposited into your NC Lottery account.

2. Prizes from $600 to $99,999

These prizes must be claimed either online or at one of the NC Lottery's regional claim centers or headquarters. Remember that all lottery winnings over $600 are subject to a 24% federal withholding tax, which is deducted before the prize is paid out.

3. Prizes of $100,000 and Above

Prizes in this range must be claimed in person at the NC Education Lottery headquarters in Raleigh. It is highly recommended to call ahead to schedule an appointment for a smooth and secure claiming process.

The North Carolina Lottery offers a unique blend of entertainment and civic contribution. Whether you're chasing the massive Powerball jackpot, enjoying the new 200X The Cash scratch-offs, or simply playing a daily Pick 3, your participation is directly supporting thousands of teachers and students across the state. With new games launching every month and the convenience of the official mobile app, the NCEL remains a vibrant and impactful part of North Carolina life in 2025.