Richard Bryant of Riegelwood multiplied his cash to $250,000 with one $5 scratch-off ticket.

Bryant stopped at the Scotchman on Old Stage Road in Riegelwood, grabbed a 20X The Cash ticket, and instantly scratched off the top prize.

He claimed his prize Tuesday and, after required federal and state tax withholdings, took home $176,876.

Ticket sales from scratch-off games such as 20X The Cash make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $900 million a year for education.

A $15 million grant, using money raised by the lottery, is helping Columbus County build a new West Columbus School as well as new buildings at Whiteville High School. For details on other ways Columbus County benefits from lottery funds, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.