Willie McCluney of Cherryville tried her luck on a $20 scratch-off and won a $2 million top prize.

McCluney bought her lucky Ruby Red 7's ticket from Delview Mart on Delview Road in Cherryville.

When McCluney arrived at lottery headquarters Monday, she had a decision to make. She could choose to receive her prize as an annuity of $100,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $1.2 million. She chose the lump sum of $1.2 million and, after required tax withholdings, took home $864,126.

The Ruby Red 7's game debuted August 2025 with three $2 million top prizes and nine $100,000 prizes. One $2 million prize and one $100,000 prize remains to be claimed.

Gaston County received $14.2 million in funding from the lottery for education programs. For details on other ways the lottery helps benefit education programs in Gaston County, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.