Lillington man scoops $5 million with just a $20 scratch-off ticket

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One Lillington, NC, USA, lottery player’s good luck has just made him $5 million richer. Christopher Hawley of Durham, NC works as a machinist at Cree in Durham. He bought two $5,000,000 Mega Cash scratch-off tickets from a Quality Mart gas station on South Miami Boulevard in Durham.

Initially, he thought to win only $20 before noticing a much higher number. accoridng to North Carolina Education Lottery officials, Hawley said, “I was like, ‘Oh my goodness.’ It’s pretty much like Willy Wonka’s golden ticket.”

Hawley is also the first person to win the top prize in the North Carolina Education Lottery game since its launch in May. Another two top prizes are still waiting to be claimed. When Hawley learned about his windfall, he immediately told his wife, Tracey. Tracey said, “My co-worker asked if somebody had just won the lottery, and I was like, ‘You have no idea.'”

Hawley had two options to choose from- either to choose a $5 million annuity spread out over 20 years or a lump sum of $3 million. He took home his first payment of $173,758 after state and federal tax withholdings. He will receive payments every year for 19 years.

Above all, Hawley is yet not sure what he will do with his money. However, he has a plan to pay the bills and get a nicer wedding ring for his beloved wife.