Man wins $100,000 when store sells out of preferred lottery game

June 30 (UPI) -- A North Carolina man who made a fortuitous stop at his local convenience store said it was "a good thing they were sold out" of his favorite lottery ticket because he ended up winning a $100,000 jackpot.

Gary Lewis, of Clyde, told North Carolina Education Lottery officials he visited the Single Stop Clyde store intending to buy his favorite scratch-off ticket, but found the business was sold out of the game.

"It's a good thing they were sold out," he said.

Lewis ended up buying a $20 100X the Cash ticket instead, and won a $100,000 jackpot.

"I looked at it like, 'Is that $1,000?'" the winner recalled. "But then I looked again and I said, 'No, that's $100,000!' It surprised me."

Lewis took home $70,756 after required federal and state tax withholdings. He said he has some simple plans for the winnings.

"I'll just help my family out and pay a few bills," he said.