Wesley Blanchette of Charlotte had luck on his side when he played the $2,500 Frenzy scratch-off game and won $1 million.
Blanchette bought the $10 ticket when he stopped by the Murphy USA on Caldwell Farm Road in Belmont.
He claimed his prize Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. He had the choice of taking a $1 million annuity that has 20 payments of $50,000 a year or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $417,009.
$2,500 Frenzy launched in July with four top prizes of $1 million. Two top prizes remain.
Ticket sales from games like $2,500 Frenzy make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $600 million a year for the state. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.