A moment of hesitation nearly cost a North Carolina man a six-figure payday.
Stanley Thompson, a resident of Wingate, says he almost talked himself out of purchasing a Powerball ticket for the Dec. 10 drawing — a decision that ultimately turned into a $150,000 win.
According to the North Carolina Education Lottery, Thompson bought his $3 Powerball ticket online after debating whether it was worth it at all. The decision came down to the final moments before sales closed.
“I almost didn’t buy it but I decided to at the last minute,” he said.
That last-minute choice proved pivotal. Thompson’s ticket matched four white balls and the Powerball, securing a base prize of $50,000. The payout was tripled to $150,000 after the 3X Power Play multiplier was applied.
“I’m glad I played the multiplier,” Thompson said. “I like to play when the jackpot starts growing and getting big.”
The reality of the win didn’t register immediately. Thompson admitted it took some time before the significance of the prize truly set in.
“It’s starting to sink in more now,” he said. “It’s very satisfying.”
Rather than splurging, Thompson plans to use the money responsibly, saying the winnings will go toward paying off bills and making investments — a practical approach that reflects how close he came to walking away empty-handed.
