US man wins $1 million lottery with $20 bill he found on the ground

When a North Carolina man headed to a US convenience store on Tuesday, he had no idea luck was on his side.

Jerry Hicks, a master carpenter from Banner Elk, found a $20 bill ($30) in the parking lot of the store, he said in a news release.

He spent it on a scratch-off lottery ticket – and won $1.5 million ($US1 million).

Hicks used the money to buy an Extreme Cash scratch-off, according to the release.

“They actually didn’t have the ticket I was looking for so I bought that one instead,” he said.

Hicks claimed his prize on Friday at the North Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters.

He chose to receive the prize as a lump sum of $910,000 instead of as an annuity over 20 years, according to the release.

After taxes, Hicks took home $650,000, according to the lottery.

Hicks plans to use the money to help his children and retire as a carpenter after 56 years, the release says.

But before that, Hicks wants to enjoy his win.

“We are going to head straight to Golden Corral and eat everything they’ve got,” he said.

There are many different ways to get help and information about gambling. You can visit the National Gambling Helpline or call on 1800 858 858.