An Alexander County man woke up on Saturday, March 15, 2025, with intentions to relax and play digital instant lottery games, but his plans quickly changed when he hit a $1.16 million jackpot. Michael Underwood, of Taylorsville, North Carolina, found himself in disbelief after winning the top-level 'gold jackpot' in the Multiplier Mania game, which boasts odds of an astonishing 1 in 20 million.
"I started shaking for about an hour," Underwood recalled, expressing the overwhelming rush that accompanied the life-altering moment. "I never thought in a million years this would happen." His win marks the second-largest prize since the North Carolina Lottery introduced its digital instants, showcasing the high-stakes excitement many players seek.
Upon winning, Underwood immediately called his son to share the incredible news, only to elicit a worried response. "My son thought it was an April Fools’ Day joke," he laughed. "He had to check to make sure it wasn’t April yet." Such moments of jovial disbelief reflect the joy and shock that monumental lottery wins often bring to families.
Underwood claimed his prize at lottery headquarters on Thursday, March 20, 2025. After accounting for federal and state tax withholdings, he took home a grand total of $836,957. With his newfound wealth, he has plans to invest the winnings, hoping to secure a stable financial future.
The Multiplier Mania game allows players to place bets ranging from 50 cents to $30. Its progressive nature means that after Underwood’s incredible win, the jackpot reset at $80,000 and has already increased to over $92,000 as of Friday morning, March 21, 2025. Players can enjoy a variety of games, with a total of 41 digital instant options available exclusively online or through the NC Lottery Official Mobile App.
The North Carolina Education Lottery has rolled out numerous initiatives to encourage responsible gaming, including the Play Smart™ program. This initiative aims to help players maximize their gaming experience while understanding the mechanics of odds and the nature of bonus drawings. For anyone needing support, resources are available through the More Than A Game website, which offers free and confidential help.
Underwood’s exceptional win serves not only as a personal milestone but also underscores the allure of digital lottery games in North Carolina. His story is one that echoes the hopes of many players, who aspire to turn a small wager into life-changing fortunes. As participation in these types of games continues to grow, so do the dreams of countless players looking for their own chance at a jackpot.
In a game defined by its unpredictability and potential for massive rewards, Michael Underwood’s experience with the Multiplier Mania lottery game exemplifies the excitement that attracts players from all walks of life. As the current jackpot continues to climb, the thrill persists, reminding lottery enthusiasts that their next big win could be just a ticket away.
