NC Woman Wins $100,000 Twice on Same Scratch-Off Game

Lightning Strikes Twice in Lexington, North Carolina

Have you ever felt like you were experiencing déjà vu? Imagine feeling that exact same sensation, but with a life-changing $100,000 cash prize!

That is precisely what happened to Lu Ann Chico, a resident of Lexington in Davidson County, North Carolina. She managed to hit the top $100,000 prize on the exact same $20 scratch-off ticket, called Ruby Red 7’s, not just once, but twice within roughly thirteen months.

Her astounding streak of luck made headlines across the nation after she claimed her second major prize at the North Carolina Education Lottery headquarters in Raleigh on September 21, 2026. The state lottery published details on September 24, 2026, and Lottery Post featured her story on October 5, 2026.

The First $100,000 Win: A Quick Stop in Winston-Salem

Lu Ann's initial stroke of luck occurred back in August 2025. She stopped by a Sheetz convenience store located on Peters Creek Parkway in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she picked up a $20 Ruby Red 7’s scratch-off ticket.

When she scratched off the ticket, she discovered she had won a grand prize of $100,000. As noted in the lottery's August 22, 2025 press announcement, Lu Ann already had clear priorities for her first big windfall.

I have four grandchildren and they are our first priority.

Scratch-off games act much like quick everyday physical payments—a small purchase, a fast reveal, and instant feedback. However, seeing a six-figure reward repeat on the same game title is an extraordinary rarity.

The Second Win: An Everyday Grocery Trip Turns Extraordinary

Fast forward about a year to September 2026. Lu Ann was running a completely routine errand, shopping for food at a Food Lion supermarket on N.C. Highway 150 in northern Davidson County.

While at the store, she decided to purchase another $20 Ruby Red 7’s ticket. To her absolute surprise, lightning struck the exact same spot for a second time.

She uncovered another $100,000 jackpot on the exact same game title. Shortly after, she headed to lottery headquarters in Raleigh on September 21, 2026, to collect her second big check.

I won again! I’m excited! More this time than last.

I’m thrilled to death.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Taxes and Real Take-Home Pay

While winning a six-figure headline jackpot sounds amazing, real-world cash payouts always change once required tax withholdings enter the picture.

Both state and federal tax withholdings apply to substantial lottery payouts before the money lands in a winner's bank account.

• Gross Jackpot Amount: $100,000 on the $20 Ruby Red 7’s ticket
• Net Take-Home Pay: $72,016 after state and federal withholdings
• Total Tax Deductions: $27,984 sent to state and federal tax authorities

Even after accounting for taxes, taking home $72,016 from an ordinary trip to the grocery store is a delightful outcome that few players ever get to experience twice.

Behind the Jackpot: How Ticket Sales Support Local Education

While individual success stories capture public interest, scratch-off ticket sales also form part of a broader public finance structure.

The North Carolina Education Lottery channels net proceeds from ticket sales directly into public education programs, school improvements, and local community grants across the state.

For example, Davidson County received over $9.6 million in lottery funding during the prior year alone to support local educational programs.

This ongoing funding pipeline ties individual jackpot stories back to community development and public school financing.

Key Takeaways from the Double Win Story

Here is a quick summary of the key facts from Lu Ann Chico's remarkable lottery streak:

• Two Major Wins: Lu Ann Chico won $100,000 twice on the $20 Ruby Red 7’s scratch-off game (August 2025 and September 2026).
• Different Outlets: Her first winning ticket came from a Sheetz in Winston-Salem, while her second came from a Food Lion in Davidson County.
• Net Payout: After required state and federal tax withholdings, her second $100,000 jackpot yielded $72,016 in take-home cash.
• Public Impact: Davidson County received over $9.6 million in state lottery proceeds for public education during the prior fiscal year.