RALEIGH - Richard James is the latest player to win the top prize in the $1,000,000 Jackpot game. He purchased the lucky $10 ticket this morning at the Circle B on North Reilly Road in Fayetteville.

A $1 million prize in the game can be claimed in 20 annuity payments of $50,000, or a one-time payment of $600,000. James opted for the lump sum, worth $415,503 after required state and federal withholdings.

The $1,000,000 Jackpot game went on sale on Aug. 5, 2014. As of Thursday afternoon, three $1 million top prizes and three $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed in the game.

Ticket sales made it possible for the lottery to raise more than half a billion for the state last year. North Carolina Education Lottery net proceeds will be used this year to help pay salaries of teachers and teacher assistants, for pre-kindergarten programs for at-risk four-year-olds, school construction and repair, and need-based college scholarships and financial aid.

For details on how more than $132.8 million in lottery funds have made a difference for specific education programs in Cumberland County, click on the “Where the Money Goes” tab on the lottery’s website.