Praful Shah of Charlotte tried his luck on a $20 scratch-off and won a $2 million prize.
Shah bought his lucky Mega 7’s ticket from Derita BP Amoco on West Sugar Creek Road in Charlotte, a store he owns.
When Shah arrived Thursday to collect his prize, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $100,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $1.2 million. He chose the lump sum of $1.2 million and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $858,006.
Mega 7’s debuted in October 2022 with four $2 million prizes and eight $100,000 prizes. Since Shah won the last $2 million top prize, the lottery will begin the process of ending the game.
For details on how $59.2 million raised by the lottery made a difference for education programs in Mecklenburg County last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.