New Bern, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Christopher Hicks from New Bern has claimed a $100,000 prize from the NC Education Lottery after purchasing a $2,000,000 Diamond Deluxe scratch-off ticket. After taxes, Hicks took home $71,756. This win comes shortly after another resident hit a record digital jackpot worth $6.7 million, showcasing the excitement and growing popularity of lottery games in the community.
New Bern – Christopher Hicks struck it rich with a winning scratch-off ticket, claiming a $100,000 prize from the NC Education Lottery. The resident of New Bern purchased the lucky ticket, a $2,000,000 Diamond Deluxe, at Fairfield Fuel Market located on Broad Creek Road. After visiting the lottery headquarters on Monday to collect his winnings, Hicks’ final take-home amount was $71,756 after federal and state tax withholdings.
The news of Hicks’ lottery win was released on September 9, 2025, and has resonated with the local community, particularly in light of another significant recent lottery event. Just prior to Hicks’ claim, another New Bern resident made headlines by winning the largest digital instant jackpot in North Carolina lottery history, worth an astonishing $6.7 million. This record-setting win, taking place with a $2 Monopoly game ticket, reflects the growing popularity of digital lottery games since their introduction in November 2023.
Hicks’ big win comes at a time when many gamers are seeking opportunities to strike it lucky. The NC Education Lottery offers various games, including Mega Millions and Powerball, which are provided throughout the week. Mega Millions draws occur at 11 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, while Powerball draws are held at 10:59 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Additionally, the NC Lottery hosts draws every night at 11:22 p.m., with results available online for players’ convenience.
In reference to the recent $6.7 million digital win, the odds of winning the Grand Fortune jackpot were notably slim at 1 in 25,000,000. This win is significant not only for its monetary value but also because it resets the digital prize pool at $150,000, inviting more players to participate as the jackpot continues to grow.
Winners have a stipulated timeframe of 180 days to claim prizes, ensuring that they can process their winnings in a timely manner. The previous record for digital instant win tickets stood at $1.3 million before this remarkable victory, illustrating a trend of escalating prizes within the digital lottery realm.
The surge in lottery winnings in New Bern has not been without a reminder regarding responsible gaming. Players are encouraged to seek help for any gambling addiction issues. The national gambling hotline number is available at 1-800-522-4700, alongside resources provided by the National Council on Problem Gambling website, ensuring that the thrill of winning does not overshadow the importance of responsible play.
While Christopher Hicks enjoys the aftermath of his newfound wealth, the excitement within the New Bern community only continues to grow, fueled by the substantial digital winnings and ongoing lottery opportunities. Whether through scratch-offs, Mega Millions, or Powerball, it seems luck is shining in the region, sparking hope and dreams among local players.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WNCT News
- Wikipedia: North Carolina Education Lottery
- WITN News
- Google Search: New Bern Lottery Winnings
- NC Lottery News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lottery
- WCTI News
- Google News: New Bern Lottery
- WRAL News
- Google Scholar: North Carolina Lottery
- ABC11 News


