Fayetteville resident Richard Tyler Jr. needed to take a second to calm down after winning a $212,500 Carolina Keno prize, the largest prize won in the history of the Keno game.

“I had to sit down for a few minutes just to breathe,” he recalled.

Tyler’s big win occurred Tuesday at Gray’s Creek BP on N.C. 87 South in Fayetteville. He said he frequently pays Keno there.

“The girls who work in the store know me,” he laughed. “They call me Keno.”

Carolina Keno lets you choose how many numbers, or spots, you play and your choice determines your odds and the prize you play for.

Tyler bought a $20 ticket and played for 10 shares. After matching nine of 10 numbers and winning $4,250, his prize grew to $212,500 when the 5X multiplier was drawn.

“When I saw how many I matched, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’” Tyler said. “I got kind of nervous.”

He claimed his prize Friday at lottery headquarters and, after required federal and state tax withholdings, took home $151,943.

Tyler has eight siblings and he said he plans to share his winnings with his family.

“We are very tight knit and very close,” he said.

For details on how $21.9 million raised by the lottery made a difference in Cumberland County education programs last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.