For Elmer Stephens of Clayton, a $1 million Mega Millions win means he can retire early.

“That’s the best part of winning,” Stephens said. “This is just what I needed. I also want to take a trip to Scotland.”

Stephens beat the odds of 1 in 18.5 million to win $1 million in Friday’s drawing. When he realized he won, he couldn’t believe it.

“I read the numbers,” Stephens said. “Then I read them again, and again, and again.”

When he told his family, they thought he was joking.

“Even after I showed them the ticket, they still didn’t believe me,” Stephens said.

He claimed his prize Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he received $692,500.

Stephens bought the $1 Quick Pick ticket at the Speedway on N.C. 42 East in Clayton. It matched all five white balls drawn to win $1 million.

The jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing is $67 million with an estimated lump sum of $39.7 million.

Ticket sales from games like Mega Millions made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $634 million dollars for the state last year. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in Johnston County, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.