GOLDSBORO, N.C. — A Goldsboro man is planning a magical family vacation after winning a $1 million top prize in a new North Carolina Education Lottery scratch-off game.
Willie Dennis of Goldsboro became the first player to claim a $1 million top prize in the new Moneybag Cashword game, and he already knows how he wants to celebrate his big win.
“I’m going to take them to DisneyDennis purchased his lucky scratch-off ticket Saturday at Adams Convenient Mart on West Ash Street in Goldsboro.
According to Dennis, the game had been grabbing his attention during previous visits to the store.
World,” Dennis said, referring to his four daughters. “They’ve never been before.”
“Every time I go in the store it’s been catching my eye,” he said.
That curiosity paid off in a big way when Dennis scratched off the winning ticket.
When he arrived at lottery headquarters Monday to claim his prize, Dennis had a major financial decision to make. He could receive the $1 million prize as an annuity of $50,000 annually over 20 years or accept a one-time lump sum of $600,000.
Dennis chose the lump-sum payment and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $432,063.
The Moneybag Cashword scratch-off game debuted in October with four $1 million top prizes. With Dennis claiming the first, three $1 million prizes remain available.
Beyond creating new millionaires, the North Carolina Education Lottery also provides funding for public education across the state.
According to lottery officials, Wayne County has received more than $28 million in state grants from lottery proceeds to help construct a new elementary school.
Residents interested in learning more about how lottery proceeds benefit Wayne County can visit www.nclottery.com and select the “Impact” section.
For Dennis, the big win means more than a financial windfall. It also means the opportunity to create special memories with his four daughters during their first trip to Disney World.
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