GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Gastonia man scored a massive $1 million top prize when playing a new scratch-off game, North Carolina Education Lottery officials said.
Pablo Bustamante bought a $10 50X The Cash ticket from the Triple E Express & Grill on Bessemer City Road in Gastonia. The lucky ticket was a big winner, worth up to $1 million and the game's top prize.
When Bustamante arrived at lottery headquarters to collect his prize, he was given two options. He could choose to get the prize as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. He opted for the lump sum, and after required taxes, took home $429,003.
The 50X The Cash game debuted in February with six top prizes of $1 million. Lottery officials say there's just one top prize left to be claimed.
Playing the lottery is a form of gambling. If you are concerned about your gambling or worried about a friend, you can call the NC Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543. You can also contact the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.