Benjamin Simmons of Charlotte wasted no time claiming his $992,574 Fast Play jackpot prize just hours after instantly winning on a $20 Max Win ticket.

“I’ve been playing that game for a while at the same store,” Simmons said.

He bought his lucky Max Win ticket Friday afternoon from the Raceway Amoco on Lyles Lane in Concord. At the time of the win, the jackpot reached $792,574. Since he purchased a $20 ticket, he received 100% of the jackpot, plus $200,000.

Simmons says he visits the store where he bought his winning ticket so often, he has become friends with the owner.

“I can’t wait to tell him I won,” he laughed.

Simmons arrived at lottery headquarters Friday to collect his prize and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $709,696.

He says he plans to use the money to help a family member dealing with a medical issue.
Fast Play features an instantly growing jackpot that increases with every ticket sold until it is won. As of Saturday morning, the Fast Play jackpot stands at $29,100 and counting.

For details on how $59.2 million raised by the lottery made a difference for education programs in Mecklenburg County last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.