Ronnie Denton of Gastonia took a chance on a $10 scratch-off and won a $1 million top prize.

Denton bought his lucky $1,000,000 Bonus Match ticket from Will’s Food Store on South New Hope Road in Gastonia.

When Denton arrived at lottery headquarters Monday, 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 $430,503.

The $1,000,000 Bonus Match game debuted in August with five $1 million top prizes. Two $1 million prizes remain to be claimed.

Education programs in Gaston County received $14.2 million in support from lottery funds last year. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website.