CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man from Charlotte won a $992,574 Fast Play jackpot prize, according to a spokesperson for the North Carolina Education Lottery.
“I’ve been playing that game for a while at the same store,” Simmons said.
Benjamin Simmons claimed the cash just hours after instantly winning on a $20 Max Win ticket on Friday afternoon.
After state and federal tax withholdings, he walked out of lottery headquarters with $709,696.
He bought the lucky ticket from the Raceway Amoco on Lyles Lane in Concord.
Simmons said he has become friends with the owner of the store because he visits so often.
“I can’t wait to tell him I won,” he said.
He said he plans to use the money to help a family member dealing with a medical issue.
The win comes as North Carolina residents get ready for the drawing on Saturday night that could determine the winner of a $1.3 billion jackpot.
As of Saturday morning, the Fast Play jackpot stands at $29,100.
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