Charlotte man will receive $25,000 a year for the rest of his life

Robert Havelka Jr. of Charlotte tried his luck on a $2 Lucky for Life ticket and won a $25,000 a year for life prize.

Havelka bought his lucky Quick Pick ticket from Fast Mart on The Plaza in Charlotte. He won his prize by matching all five white balls in the April 2 drawing. The odds of winning that prize are 1 in 1.8 million.

When he arrived at lottery headquarters Wednesday, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive $25,000 a year for the rest of his life or a $390,000 lump sum. He chose the $25,000 a year for life option and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $17,938 in his first yearly payment.

Lucky for Life is one of six lottery games in North Carolina where players have the option of buying their tickets through a retail location or Online Play.