Rowan County man bags first $1 million top prize in scratch-off game

RALEIGH, N.C. — Jonathan Ramsey of Cleveland took a chance on a $10 scratch-off and won the first $1 million top prize in a new scratch-off game.

Ramsey bought his lucky $1 million Loteria ticket from Community Grocery on Statesville Boulevard in Cleveland.

When Ramsey arrived at lottery headquarters Wednesday to collect his winnings, 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 state and federal tax withholdings, took home $429,003.

The $1 million Loteria game debuted in March with four top prizes of $1 million. Three $1 million prizes remain to be claimed.

For details on how $7.8 million raised by the lottery made a difference for education programs in Rowan County last year, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.

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