Husband leaves movie and buys NC lottery ticket. The prize left his wife ‘shaking’
A North Carolina couple watched a movie — then their night got a Hollywood ending.
After the flick, Teddy Sparks said he stopped to buy a lottery ticket and learned it was worth $100,000.
“My wife was scratching the ticket and then her hands started shaking and she started freaking out,” Sparks told the N.C. Education Lottery in a Dec. 19 news release.
Officials said the couple celebrated the big win after Sparks went to a Circle K in Jacksonville, roughly 120 miles southeast of Raleigh and home to the Camp Lejeune military base.
While at the convenience store’s North Marine Boulevard location, Sparks said he spent $25 on a ticket for the Spectacular Riches scratch-off game. His wife later checked to see how much he won.
“I told her, ‘Don’t freak out and have a heart attack before we can get the money,’” Sparks told the N.C. Education Lottery while laughing.
Sparks, a truck driver living in the Onslow County community of Hubert, kept $71,017 after taxes. The 68-year-old plans to put his prize money toward bills and savings, according to officials.
It’s not the first time news of a big lottery win has shocked a spouse.
Last year, a man was pumping gas when his wife told him he hit the jackpot in South Carolina, leaving him stunned, McClatchy News reported.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhen gambling is more than a game
Gambling is designed to be a source of entertainment.
If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
This story was originally published December 20, 2022 at 10:20 AM with the headline "Husband leaves movie and buys NC lottery ticket. The prize left his wife ‘shaking’."
