Includes video report
RALEIGH, N.C. — Julia Earp of Wilmington, North Carolina, is the first player to spin the lottery's Big Spin prize wheel and win $350,000, according to the NC Education Lottery.
She spun the wheel Tuesday during a live event in Raleigh.
"I figured no matter what I won, I'd be tickled with what I got," Earp said. "I came out with more than I had when I came in, so this is amazing!"
The grandmother of eight said she's a big game show fan and developed a strategy of how to spin the wheel.
"My plan was to spin the wheel so hard that I'd fall on my heinie," Earp said with a laugh.
Earp's good luck started well before she entered the TV studio. It started when she stopped on her way to work at the Circle K on Oleander Drive in Wilmington and bought The Big Spin scratch-off ticket. When she realized she had the chance to win half a million dollars, she couldn't believe it.
"Whenever I thought about the fact that I won, I'd say, 'Thank you Jesus!'" said Earp, who cares for the elderly. "I'm still saying it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!"
After required state and federal tax withholdings, Earp took home $247,518. She plans to use the money to take care of her grandchildren including paying for their schooling.
The Big Spin scratch-off ticket launched earlier in October.
The $5 game has three levels of play. Players can win a cash prize instantly or get directed to a website where they can spin a digital wheel and win a cash prize or a Big Spin.
If they win a Big Spin prize, they get the chance to spin the Big Spin prize wheel during a live event and win up to $500,000.
VIDEO: Watch the drawing and interview
Spin the Wheel: Round and Round It Goes: Where It'll Stop Nobody Knows!
Congrats to the Winner!
Congratulations to Julia Earp! She spun the wheel and ended up with $247,518.00 after taxes.
She appears to be a caring and loving Grandmother.
Good thing they don't use that wheel on TPIR or WOF, they'd have to edit the show it spins so many times..LOL.
Hope those eight grandchildren are the grateful type since she plans on paying for their education. If she makes wise investments that could be a reality, otherwise with inflation for schooling it won't be enough for all to get a Bachelor's degree.
Wyatt would be proud of Julia..