Fri Dec 19 09:10:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Mercedes Spanulo of Denver, North Carolina, won $200,000 playing Powerball after purchasing a $3 ticket with the Power Play option at a Food Lion in Hillsborough. She matched four white balls and the Powerball, initially winning $50,000, which was quadrupled due to the 4X Power Play multiplier. After taxes, she claimed $143,501 in winnings. The Powerball jackpot for Wednesday is $1.25 billion.

News Article:

Denver Woman Strikes Gold with Powerball, Wins $200,000

HILLSBOROUGH, NC – A lucky $3 Powerball ticket has turned into a $200,000 windfall for Mercedes Spanulo of Denver, North Carolina. Spanulo purchased her winning ticket at the Food Lion on Rebecca Drive in Hillsborough for Monday’s drawing.

She matched four of the five white balls and the red Powerball, initially securing a $50,000 prize. However, Spanulo’s decision to add the Power Play option proved to be a game-changer, as the 4X multiplier quadrupled her winnings to a staggering $200,000.

Spanulo claimed her prize at lottery headquarters on Wednesday, taking home $143,501 after state and federal tax withholdings.

The North Carolina Education Lottery highlighted the win amidst excitement for Wednesday’s upcoming Powerball jackpot, which is estimated at $1.25 billion as an annuity, or $572.1 million in cash.

Powerball is one of six draw games in North Carolina, offering players the option to purchase tickets at retail locations or through Online Play on the lottery’s website or mobile app. While the odds of winning the jackpot remain at 1 in 292 million, Spanulo’s win serves as a reminder that even a small investment can lead to life-changing opportunities.

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