Finding money on the ground already feels like a stroke of luck. But a North Carolina man doubled up when he turned his newly-found $20 statement into a $1 million lottery triumph.

Jerry Hicks, a resident of Banner Elk in the western part of the state, was outside of a Speedway convenience store in Boone when he found $20 on the ground on Tuesday, he told the North Carolina Education Lottery.  

“I used that to buy the ticket,” Hicks told lottery officials, adding that he purchased a $25 Extreme money scratch-off ticket.  

On Friday, Hicks claimed his prize at the North Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters. He chose the lump-sum settlement alternative of $600,000, the lottery said. After taxes, the lottery said he took home $429,007.   

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What does the lucky North Carolina man schedule to do with his winnings?  

Before any grand plans, Hicks plans to receive his household out to eat to celebrate his lucky triumph.

“We are going to head straight to Golden Corral and eat everything they’ve got,” he told lottery officials.  

Hicks, a master carpenter, has two things in mind after winning.

After 56 years of working as a carpenter, Hicks plans to retire, the lottery said. In addition, Hicks told the lottery that he plans to use the money to assist his children. 

What are the odds of winning Extreme money?  

The odds of winning the top prize of $1 million are 1 in 2,017,650, the North Carolina Education Lottery said.    

The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 4.21, the lottery said.  

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, recent Hampshire, recent Jersey, recent Mexico, recent York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, view your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn turnover for spectators referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling issue? Call 1-877-8-aspiration-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for packed terms.