MOORESVILLE, N.C. — A Mooresville man walked into a convenience store with the dream of winning big and that's what happened as he collected in a $2 million prize.
Daniel Greenan bought a $20 Instant Millions ticket from the Home Run Market on Williamson Road in Mooresville on May 17. Little did he know that lottery ticket would change his life forever.
"It was $20 and a dream," he said. "And the dream came true."
Greenan won the first $2 million top prize in the new game, which debuted this month. Greenan says he was stunned when he finally realized how much he'd won.
"I started crying," he said. "Never in a million years did I think something like this would happen to me."
He immediately called his partner and told her what happened. Naturally, she didn't believe it.
"She said, 'You're lying,' and I said, 'No honey, I swear I am not lying,'" Greenan explained.
Greenan collected his prize at North Carolina Education Lottery headquarters on Monday, joking he hadn't been able to sleep since scratching his ticket. He had the choice of a $1.2 million lump sum or an annuity of $100,000 over 20 years. Greenan chose the annuity. He collected $70,657 after taxes and withholdings on the first payment.
Greenan said he'll use his winnings to travel the country with planned trips to Hawaii and the Grand Canyon. Three of the Instant Millions $2 million top prizes remain to be claimed, as well as eight $100,000 prizes.
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.
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