Pender County man bags first $1 million top prize in new game

Maulin Patel of Atkinson tried his luck on a $10 scratch-off and won the first $1 million top prize in a new game.

Patel bought his lucky 50X The Cash ticket from Atkinson Minute Mart on West Church Street in Atkinson, a store where he works.

When Patel arrived at lottery headquarters Monday to claim his prize, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive his 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 tax withholdings, took home $432,063.

The 50X The Cash game debuted in January with 12 top prizes of $1 million. Eleven $1 million prizes remain to be claimed.