Christian Smith of Charlotte tried his luck on a $10 scratch-off and won the first $1 million top prize in a new lottery game.
Smith bought his lucky 50X The Cash ticket from Sam’s Mart on Johnston Road in Charlotte.
When Smith arrived at lottery headquarters Wednesday, 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 $430,503.
The 50X The Cash game debuted this week with six top prizes of $1 million. Five $1 million prizes remain to be claimed.
For details on how $58 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.