Pablo Bustamante of Gastonia took a chance on a $10 scratch-off ticket and won a $1 million top prize.
Bustamante bought his lucky 50X The Cash ticket from Triple E Express & Grill on Bessemer City Road in Gastonia.
When Bustamante arrived at lottery headquarters Wednesday, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum of $600,000 and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $429,003.
The 50X The Cash game debuted in February with six top prizes of $1 million. One $1 million prize remains to be claimed.
For details on how $14.7 million raised by the lottery made a difference for education programs in Gaston County last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.