Man wins $321,223 lottery prize day after birthday

Feb. 5 (UPI) -- A North Carolina man received a belated gift when he scored a $321,223 lottery jackpot on the day after his birthday.

Rabah Samara, of Raleigh, told North Carolina Education Lottery officials he bought a $10 50X The Cash Fast Play ticket from the Han-Dee Hugo's on Western Boulevard in Raleigh and initially wasn't sure if he had won anything.

"I didn't notice anything the first time I checked it, but the second time I said 'Oh jeez, it's the jackpot,'" Samara said.

The ticket earned Samara the $321,223 progressive jackpot.

"Considering yesterday was my birthday," Samara said, "this is a great birthday gift for me."

Samara said he will use his winnings to pay bills and save the rest "for a rainy day."

"Now I can sleep better at night," Samara said. "I'm just happy."