RALEIGH – Ian Wynter, a plumber from Central Islip, N.Y., plans to use the $1 million prize he won playing the 50X The Cash game to help his family and save for his children’s education.

Wynter was traveling from Georgia when he purchased the lucky ticket at the Kingsway on Bessemer City Road in Gastonia.

“I’m very happy and grateful to the state of North Carolina,” Wynter said. “This will make life easier.”

Winners of $1 million in the game have the option of claiming it in $50,000 payments as a 20-year annuity or a one-time lump sum of $600,000. Wynter took the cash payment and received a check for $415,203 after state and federal taxes were withheld.

Wynter is the fourth player to win a $1 million prize in the $10 game. As of Tuesday afternoon, one $1 million top prize remains to be claimed.

Ticket sales have made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $3.4 billion for the state. Net proceeds are used for prekindergarten programs for at-risk four-year-olds, teachers’ salaries in grades K-3, school construction, digital learning initiatives, need-based college scholarships and financial aid.

For details on how more than $65.6 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Gaston County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.