For Boni Cortez Pelagio of Yadkinville, a quick stop for a beverage turned into a thirst-quenching $1 million prize, winning the second of eight $1 million prizes in the Spectacular Riches scratch-off game.
When out visiting a friend, Pelagio said he suddenly became thirsty and decided to stop at the Speedway on Rockford Street in Mount Airy for a bottle of water. While there, he decided to try his luck on a $25 Spectacular Riches scratch-off.
His thirst – and decision to play – paid off.
“I only bought the one ticket,” said Pelagio. “You never expect to win anything big, but especially not $1 million.”
Pelagio claimed his prize on Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. He had the option of taking the $1 million as an annuity of $50,000 a year over 20 years, or a lump sum of $600,000. Pelagio chose the annuity. After state and federal tax withholdings, he walked away with his first payment of $35,382. Pelagio said he is looking forward to taking a vacation and maybe buying a house.
“It is a miracle,” Pelagio said of the win.
Spectacular Riches is a $25 game that launched in October with eight top prizes of $1 million and 20 $100,000 prizes. Six of the $1 million prizes and 18 of the $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.
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Mount Airy, not Mounty Airy, lol