Rowan County man thought he might be ‘seeing things’ after $100,000 win

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 20, 2023

SALISBURY — Salisbury resident Danny Parks couldn’t believe his eyes after he uncovered a $100,000 scratch-off prize.

“I went back into the store to have them scan it to make sure I wasn’t seeing things,” he said.

Parks bought his lucky $50 $10 Million Spectacular ticket on Sunday from Han-Dee Hugo’s on Jake Alexander Boulevard West in Salisbury.

“I called my wife and told her to sit down because I had news for her,” Parks said.

He said his wife didn’t believe him at first.

“She thought I was messing with her,” Parks said. “She was excited though.”

He arrived at lottery headquarters Monday to claim his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $71,264.

Parks said he plans to use his winnings to pay some bills.

The $10 Million Spectacular game debuted this month with five top prizes of $10 million, 20 prizes of $1 million and 20 prizes of $100,000. Five $10 million prizes, 19 $1 million prizes and 18 $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.

During the holiday season, Play Smart, Gift Smart raises awareness that lottery tickets are not appropriate gifts for kids as part of a national gift responsibly campaign. Research shows that the earlier someone participates in or is exposed to gambling, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Check out this blog to learn more.