Lucky bloke wins lottery jackpot a week after missing out by just one number

A lucky chap has scooped a massive lottery jackpot, just a week after missing out by one number.

Joshua Allen was gobsmacked when he matched all five numbers to bag the $662,878 (£523,375) Cash 5 jackpot on Tuesday, November 28.

Joshua, who hails from Raleigh in the US state of North Carolina, revealed that this win came just a week after he missed the jackpot by a whisker. In a statement given to North Carolina Education Lottery, he said: "About a week ago I actually matched four of the five balls playing Cash 5."

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He reportedly bought the ticket online and let the computer choose the numbers by using the Quick Pick option.

And the main reason he decided to play is because his grandfather used to love the same game.

Joshua shared: "It was always his favourite game over the years so I decided to play it because he did."

Against odds of 1 in 962,589, he struck gold. He described the feeling as "surreal." After state and federal taxes, Joshua pocketed $472,303 (£372,921).

He plans to use his winnings to clear his student loans and put down a deposit on a house.

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North Carolina Education Lottery officials said: "Cash 5 is one of six lottery games in North Carolina where players have the option of buying their tickets at a retail location or with Online Play through the lottery's website or the NC Lottery Official Mobile App.

"Tonight's Cash 5 jackpot stands at USD 110,000 [GBP 86,861]. 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."

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