Walter Bonds and Curtis Hudson, two longtime friends from Laurinburg, honored a pact they made years ago and split a $100,000 scratch-off prize.

“We decided if either of us won a big prize we would split it,” Bonds said. “And we are both men of our words.”

Hudson bought the lucky $2,000,000 Diamond Deluxe ticket from Carlie C’s on South Main Street in Laurinburg. He called Bonds right away to tell him what happened.

“I could hear it in his voice,” Bonds recalled.

Bonds and Hudson have worked together for years and have always enjoyed playing the lottery together. Their favorite games to play are scratch-offs.

“Whatever I feel good about at the time, that’s what I buy,” Hudson said.

The two friends arrived at lottery headquarters Monday to claim their prize. Both players claimed $50,000 after splitting the $100,000 prize and, after required federal and state tax withholdings, each took home $35,753.

Hudson said he will to do some home improvements with his winnings and Bonds plans to save his.

The $2,000,000 Diamond Deluxe game debuted in December with four $2 million top prizes and eight $100,000 prizes. Three $2 million prizes and four $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.

Scotland County received $1.6 million in money raised by the lottery to help with school renovations. For details on other ways the lottery made a difference for education programs in Scotland County last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.