RALEIGH – Barry Gaines of Kannapolis is the latest North Carolinian to scratch off the $1 million prize in the $4,000,000 Multiplier Spectacular game. He purchased his lucky ticket Sunday night at All Checks Cashed on South Cannon Boulevard in Kannapolis.

“I had a feeling that one day I’d hit it big,” Gaines said as he collected his winnings Monday morning. “I just don’t know how to explain it. It feels great.”

Winners of $1 million in the game have the option of claiming it as a 20-year annuity in $50,000 payments or a one-time lump sum of $600,000. Gaines took the cash payment and received a check for $415,206 after state and federal taxes were withheld.

The $4,000,000 Multiplier Spectacular game went on sale March 4, with four top prizes of $4,000,000 and 10 prizes of $1,000,000. As of Monday afternoon, all four top prizes and six $1,000,000 prizes remain 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 $59.8 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Cabarrus County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.