$200,000 lottery prize brings Christmas cheer to Warren County grandfather

Michael Richardson of Warrenton said he’s going to make it a Christmas to remember for his granddaughter after he won a $200,000 lottery prize.

“It’s going to be a good Christmas,” Richardson said. “She’s special to me. She’s been with me since she was little.”

His good fortune happened when he stopped by Arcola Grocery on N.C. 43 in Warrenton and bought a $500 Frenzy scratch-off ticket.

“I scratched the ticket and saw the matching 27,” Richardson said. “I couldn’t believe it. I had to show it to the clerk to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.”
 
He claimed his prize Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $139,003. 

The $5 ticket launched in July with six top prizes of $200,000. One top prize remains.
 
Ticket sales from instant games like $500 Frenzy make it possible for the lottery to raise more than $600 million a year for education.

Congratulations Michael!