Charlotte Woman Scores $336K in Lottery Using Family Birthdays, Plans Disney World Trip

A $1 ticket turned into a life-changing win for Charlotte resident Barbara Burris. She struck gold in North Carolina's Cash 5 game at a local Harris Teeter.

"It's truly a blessing," Burris said, according to NC Lottery officials. Her lucky picks — 4, 5, 6, 21, and 43 — came straight from her loved ones' birthdays.

Players face steep odds in Cash 5, with just one ticket in nearly a million hitting the jackpot. After the government took its share, Burris walked away from Raleigh's lottery office with $241,536 on Tuesday.

"I burst out and started crying. I just couldn't believe it," she shared with The Charlotte Observer.

The win means no more long car rides to Florida this fall. Instead of driving nine hours, Burris and her kids will fly straight to the magic of Disney World.

North Carolina runs six different lottery games. Players can buy tickets in stores or try their luck online. Tonight's Cash 5 prize stands at $130,000.

Last year's lottery sales sent $58 million to schools across Mecklenburg County. Those struggling with betting can find help at 1-800-522-4700, the National Problem Gambling Helpline.