Brenda Vinsant of Denver is the first player to win $4 million playing the $4,000,000 Platinum Payout scratch-off game.

She bought the $20 ticket at the Sam’s Mart on N.C. 16 in Denver.

When she scratched the ticket, she couldn’t believe what she saw. “I started shaking and crying,” Vinsant said. “I was stunned.”

She claimed her prize Tuesday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. Vinsant had the choice of taking a $4 million annuity or a lump sum worth $2.4 million. She chose the lump sum and after federal and state tax withholdings, received $1,668,030. Vinsant is still deciding what to do with the money, but plans to make a donation to her church.

$4,000,000 Platinum Payout launched in September with three top prizes of $4 million. Two top prizes remain.

Ticket sales from games like $4,000,000 Platinum Payout 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 Lincoln County, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.