Brunswick County man calls $200,000 win “a big blessing”

Belton Leonard of Shallotte made sure to thank the store clerk who sold him a $5 scratch-off after it produced a $200,000 top prize.

“I told her she’s my good luck charm,” he laughed.

Leonard bought his lucky Double Your Money ticket from Minuteman Food Mart on Holden Beach Road Southwest in Shallotte. He woke up the next day still in disbelief over his big win.

“I had to check it again the next morning to make sure I wasn’t dreaming,” Leonard recalled.

He arrived at lottery headquarters Friday to claim his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $144,021.

“This is a big blessing,” Leonard said. “It’s coming at a very good time.”

He plans to use his winnings do some home renovations and buy a new car.

The Double Your Money game debuted in August 2025 with five top prizes of $200,000. Since Leonard won the last top prize, the lottery will begin the process of ending the game.