NC Engineering Student Wins $2M Powerball After Gas Pump Failure
by David Garato
⏱ 3 min read 
Receipt Printer Malfunction Leads to Purchase
Bram Dunehew, an engineering college student, secured a $2,000,000 Powerball prize after a mechanical failure at a gas station in Harrisburg, North Carolina, required him to enter the convenience store. The incident took place at Sam’s Mart on North Carolina 49, a location near Concord.
According to lottery records, Dunehew was refueling when the pump failed to print his receipt. To resolve the issue, he walked into the store to ask staff to repair the printer. During that brief visit inside, he purchased a $3 lottery ticket for the Saturday Halloween Powerball drawing.
Dunehew noted that the mechanical error was the direct cause of his participation in the drawing. “It’s crazy because I never would have even bought that ticket if the receipt printed outside,” he said.
Power Play Doubles Base Payout
In the subsequent drawing, Dunehew matched all five white balls. The standard base payout for matching all five numbers is $1,000,000. However, Dunehew had selected the Power Play option on his ticket, which doubled the prize amount to $2,000,000.
The win was confirmed following the Saturday drawing. Dunehew described his reaction to the result as a physical shock. “It’s absolutely preposterous. I fell over when I saw it. I think Halloween’s now my favorite holiday. Trick or treating was fun as a kid, but this is insane,” he stated.
Lump Sum Claimed at Headquarters
Dunehew appeared at the North Carolina Lottery headquarters on Monday, November 2, to claim his reward. He opted for the lump sum payment rather than the annuity option. The lump sum payment was calculated at $1,440,201.
The ticket was purchased at the same Sam’s Mart location where the receipt printer malfunction occurred. Dunehew indicated that he plans to use a portion of his winnings to purchase a Cadillac for his father.
The North Carolina Lottery processed the claim at its headquarters, validating the ticket and the Power Play multiplier. The transaction concluded the winner’s visit, with the funds disbursed according to the lump sum schedule.
Why It Matters
This win illustrates how minor operational failures at retail terminals can influence lottery participation. For regulators, it highlights the role of point-of-sale mechanics in ticket sales. For operators, the incident underscores that hardware reliability affects revenue capture. The $2 million payout reflects the standard Power Play doubling mechanism used in multi-state drawings.
FAQ
How did the gas pump malfunction lead to the lottery win?
The pump failed to print a receipt, forcing the winner inside the store to fix it. While inside, he purchased a $3 Powerball ticket. He stated he would not have bought the ticket if the receipt had printed correctly outside.
What was the total amount of the prize won?
The winner matched all five numbers, earning a base payout of $1,000,000. He selected the Power Play option, which doubled the prize to $2,000,000. The lump sum payment he received was $1,440,201.
Where was the winning ticket purchased?
The ticket was bought at Sam's Mart on North Carolina 49 in Harrisburg, North Carolina. This is the same location where the gas pump receipt printer failed, prompting the winner to enter the store.
When did the winner claim the prize?
Bram Dunehew claimed his prize at the North Carolina Lottery headquarters on Monday, November 2. He chose the lump sum payment option over the annuity during the claim process.
David is known for deep-dive analysis of the gaming industry, from slot studios to live-dealer innovation. His commentary gives readers a unique perspective on market trends, operator strategy and the intersection of gaming and gambling entertainment.
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