Editor’s note: This story was updated on Oct. 2 to reflect the extended closure of the NC Lottery’s regional office and claim center in Asheville through Friday, Oct. 4.
Hurricane Helene has created a lot of devastating damage around North Carolina.
The hurricane-turned-tropical storm brought a lot of harm from wind, rain, and flooding to different areas of the state, especially Asheville.
The North Carolina Lottery announced on Friday that its regional offices in Asheville and Charlotte would be closing due to the storm.
Asheville’s office continues to remain closed on Monday as the region recovers from the destruction brought by Helene.
NC Lottery Director of Communications Van Denton told PlayiLottery the company’s focus is on helping those impacted:
“We’re focused on helping our employees, our partners in the region, and our players as they recover from Tropical Storm Helene.”
Denton and the NC Lottery provided information for players in the state about the closure. Options are still available for claiming prizes and playing online lottery games.
The state lottery provided an update on Tuesday afternoon, announcing that its Asheville office and claim center will stay closed through Friday, Oct. 4.
Information for NC Lottery players impacted by Helene
The Asheville regional office and claim center could potentially be closed beyond just Monday due to storm damage in the area.
State officials reported many roads remained closed in the region. Non-emergency travel in the area remains prohibited.
The North Carolina Lottery provided the following information to aid anyone impacted who is trying to reach a lottery office:
- Any player who has won a prize in a draw game such as Powerball or Carolina Cash 5 has 180 days from the drawing to claim a prize.
- Any player with a prize on a scratch-off game has 90 days after a game ends to claim a prize.
- All lottery drawings will be held as scheduled.
- The lottery’s Raleigh headquarters and its other regional offices and claim centers in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Greenville, and Wilmington are operating on a normal schedule.
Residents in Western North Carolina can contact customer service at (877) 962-7529 or [email protected] for assistance with any lottery business.
If internet service is available, lottery players can also get help online at nclottery.com. Support for online play, Lucke-Rewards, and the NC Lottery official mobile app is available by calling (866) 934-0289, as well.
Photo by wedninth via Shutterstock
Graphic from the North Carolina Lottery
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