David Champagne of Raeford never dreamed he would win $4 million, but that’s exactly what happened when he decided to play Millionaire Bucks.

“I don’t play the lottery,” Champagne said. “I got the ticket on a whim.”

He bought the $20 scratch-off ticket at the Speedway on Aberdeen Road in Raeford

“I was shocked,” Champagne said. “I showed the ticket to my brother and said, ‘Hey! I think I just won $4 million.’”

Champagne claimed his prize Thursday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. He had the option of taking a $4 million annuity or a lump sum worth $2.4 million. He chose the lump sum and after tax withholdings he received $1,668,030. Champagne said he plans to take some time before deciding what to do with the money.

“It’s a lot of responsibility,” Champagne said. “I do know I’ll take my wife on vacation somewhere.”

Millionaire Bucks launched in January 2016 with three top prizes of $4 million. One top prize remains.

Ticket sales from games like Millionaire Bucks made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $634 million for the state last year. For details on how lottery funds have made a difference in Hoke County, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.