Charlotte, North Carolina, December 15, 2025
A group of eighteen coworkers in Charlotte, North Carolina, collectively won a $1 million Powerball prize from a ticket purchased for the March drawing. The ticket, which matched all five white balls, was bought at a local QuikTrip. After taxes, each winner received over $35,000. The group plans to use their winnings to pay bills, enjoy vacations, and save for the future. This win highlights the exciting potential of lottery pools among coworkers, fostering teamwork and shared joy.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Eighteen coworkers in Charlotte, North Carolina, collectively celebrated a significant Powerball win, securing a $1 million prize from a ticket purchased for the March 27, 2024, drawing. The group, which had been regularly participating in lottery pools for about a year, validated their winning ticket in May 2024.
The fortunate ticket, a Quick Pick selection, matched all five white balls, earning the group the substantial second-tier prize in the Powerball game. This collective win resulted in each of the 18 individuals receiving more than $35,000 after taxes.
Details of the Win
Shawntel Johnson, one of the coworkers, was responsible for purchasing the winning ticket at a QuikTrip located on Mount Holly Road in Charlotte. Upon discovering the win, there was initial disbelief among the group, as is often the case with such unexpected fortune. The ticket successfully matched the five main numbers drawn in the Powerball game, which awards a $1 million prize for this combination nationwide.
For players who opt for the additional Power Play feature, matching five white balls would result in a $2 million prize. However, this particular winning ticket did not include the Power Play option, thus yielding the standard $1 million prize for matching the five white balls.
Financial Implications and Future Plans
After federal and state taxes were applied, each of the 18 coworkers took home a considerable sum. For lottery winnings, the federal government typically imposes a 24% withholding tax on prizes exceeding $5,000. Beyond the initial withholding, the actual federal tax liability can increase up to 37%, depending on the winner’s total income and tax bracket.
In North Carolina, lottery winnings are also subject to state income tax. The state generally withholds 4.75% for prizes of $600 or more. Consequently, for a $1 million prize shared among 18 people, the individual shares are subject to these withholdings. Each individual’s portion before taxes would be approximately $55,555.56. After estimated federal and state withholdings, the net amount per person aligns with the reported “over $35,000” figure.
The fortunate winners indicated plans to utilize their newfound wealth for various purposes, including paying bills, indulging in vacations, and building up their savings. Group lottery play is a common practice, and it is generally advised that participants establish a clear written agreement beforehand to streamline the process of claiming and distributing winnings and to manage tax responsibilities effectively.
Powerball Game Overview
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game played across 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Players choose five numbers from 1 to 69 for white balls and one Powerball number from 1 to 26. A Quick Pick option allows the lottery terminal to randomly select numbers. The cost of a basic Powerball ticket is $2.
The odds of matching all five white balls to win the $1 million prize are approximately 1 in 11.6 million. The overall odds of winning any prize in Powerball are approximately 1 in 24.87. Drawings are held three times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
As of recent drawings, Powerball continues to generate winners nationwide, with jackpots frequently reaching substantial amounts. For instance, the December 13, 2025 drawing saw seven tickets nationwide win $1 million or more, including two tickets in North Carolina and Pennsylvania that won $2 million by including the Power Play option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the prize amount won by the coworkers?
The coworkers won a $1 million prize playing Powerball.
How many coworkers were part of the winning group?
There were 18 coworkers in the winning group.
When did the Powerball drawing for this prize occur?
The winning ticket was for the March 27, 2024, Powerball drawing.
Where was the winning ticket purchased?
The winning ticket was purchased at a QuikTrip on Mount Holly Road in Charlotte, North Carolina.
How much did each coworker receive after taxes?
Each coworker received more than $35,000 after taxes.
What tax rates apply to Powerball winnings in North Carolina?
Powerball winnings are subject to federal tax withholding of 24% for prizes over $5,000 (Nationwide), and North Carolina state tax withholding of 4.75% for prizes of $600 or more (State-level).
Key Features of the Powerball Win
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Prize Amount | $1 million | Nationwide |
| Number of Winners | 18 coworkers | State-level |
| Winning Date | March 27, 2024 (drawing) | State-level |
| Location of Purchase | Charlotte, North Carolina | State-level |
| Ticket Type | Quick Pick | Nationwide |
| Matching Numbers | Five white balls | Nationwide |
| Federal Tax Withholding | 24% (for winnings over $5,000) | Nationwide |
| North Carolina State Tax Withholding | 4.75% (for winnings over $600) | State-level |
| Individual Take-Home Amount | Over $35,000 (after taxes) | State-level |
| Odds of Winning $1 Million | Approximately 1 in 11.6 million | Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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