A Statesville man won a $1 million jackpot off a $10 scratch-off ticket bought at a gas station in Harmony.
Travis Wilhelm, of Statesville, said he has been playing the Emerald 10 scratch-off game since it debuted in April, according to a news release from the N.C. Education Lottery.
“When that ticket came out, I knew that was my ticket,” Wilhelm said. “I’ve been playing it ever since.”
Wilhelm bought his winning $10 Emerald 10’s ticket from Fast Phil’s on Harmony Highway in Harmony.
“I thought it was a misprint,” Wilhelm said. “I looked back and forth like 10 different times.”
When Wilhelm went to the N.C. Education Lottery headquarters on Monday to claim his prize, he was given a choice between an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000, according to a press release.
Wilhelm chose the lump sum of $600,000. After required state and federal tax withholdings, Wilhelm took home $430,503, the release said.
Wilhelm plans to save the money and possibly buy a new car, the release said.
The Emerald 10’s game debuted in April with five $1 million top prizes. Three $1 million prizes remain according to NC Lottery officials.