A North Carolina neurologist bought a USD-5 scratch card on a whim and scooped a cool USD 200,000.

Andrew Raymond Stefanick, 48, purchased the winning card after leaving his workplace in Salisbury.

After realising he had hit the jackpot, he said he called his parents – with whom he decided to share the cash – “in a state of shock”.

After taxes, Stefanick took home a cool USD 47,350 – worth GBP 42,100 – while his parents were each left USD 47,336 better off.

In a statement obtained by Newsflash, North Carolina Lottery said: “Andrew Raymond Stefanick of Salisbury got off work at the hospital, decided to buy a $5 lottery ticket, and uncovered a $200,000 prize waiting for him.”

Stefanick said: “I just felt an urge to buy a scratch-off. I saw there was a promotion for 5X the points on $5 scratch-offs so I got that one.”

The statement continued: “Stefanick, a 48-year-old neurologist, bought his lucky Hot 5’s ticket from the Food Lion on Mahaley Avenue in Salisbury.”

Stefanick said: “When I realized how much, I couldn’t believe it. I walked out to the car in a state of shock and called my parents.”

The statement continued: “Stefanick said he likes playing the lottery with his parents, Andrew Stefanick and Dunyia Stefanick of China Grove.”

Stefanick said: “I bought the ticket but we all play together. Any major amount we split three ways.”

The statement went on: “The Stefanick family stopped by lottery headquarters Monday to claim their prize. Andrew Raymond Stefanick received $66,680 and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $47,350. His parents each received $66,660 and took home $47,336 after taxes.

“Andrew Raymond Stefanick said he will use his winnings to do some home repairs.

“The Hot 5’s game debuted in July with five top prizes of $200,000. Two $200,000 prizes remain to be claimed.”