Charles Rupert of Rocky Mount tried his luck on a $10 ticket and watched as it revealed a $1 million prize.
“Very ecstatic and very excited,” said Rupert as he claimed his prize Tuesday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh.
He purchased his winning $1,000,000 Bankroll ticket from the Gold Rock Food Mart on Gold Rock Road in Rocky Mount.
Rupert had the option of taking the $1 million as an annuity of $50,000 a year over 20 years, or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum and took home $424,503 after required federal and state tax withholdings.
“It’s going to help my family a lot,” said Rupert of his winnings.
The $1,000,000 Bankroll game launched in December with five top prizes of $1 million. Three top prizes remain to be won.
Ticket sales from scratch-offs make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $725 million per year for education. For details on how $4.8 million raised by the lottery made a difference in Nash County last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.