Columbus County man wins $1 million on new scratch-off ticket
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Riegelwood man struck it big after trying his luck on a newly released North Carolina Education Lottery scratch-off game.
Eugene McMillan won the first $1 million top prize in the new Jumbo Bucks scratch-off game after purchasing a ticket Friday from the Minuteman Food Mart in Leland, NC.
McMillan said he decided to buy the $10 ticket because he enjoys trying new lottery games when they are released.
“It’s a brand new game and I like to try those,” McMillan said.
The winning ticket was purchased at the convenience store on Mercantile Drive. McMillan said his wife was with him when he discovered the win and wasted no time sharing the news.
“She called the whole family,” he said with a laugh.
McMillan claimed his prize Monday at North Carolina Education Lottery headquarters. As a top-prize winner, he had the option of receiving his winnings as an annuity of $50,000 per year over 20 years or taking a lump-sum payment of $600,000.
He chose the lump-sum option and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, received $432,063.
McMillan said he plans to use the money to purchase a home.
The Jumbo Bucks game debuted earlier this month and offers five top prizes of $1 million. Following McMillan’s win, four top prizes remain available.
According to the North Carolina Education Lottery, more than $67 million in lottery funds has been awarded through grants to support school construction projects in Columbus County.
Additional information about lottery-funded projects across North Carolina is available through the lottery’s Impact program.
