N.C. man wins $10 million from scratch-off lottery ticket

May 18, 2020, 4:38 pm (5 comments)

North Carolina Lottery

Iron worker's big win is the largest scratch-off lottery prize in the state

By Kate Northrop

KENLY, N.C. — On his way home from work, Wade Harmon purchased some lottery tickets at the Big Boy's Truck Stop on Bagley Road in Kenly. He originally stopped to try his luck on the Pick 3 and Pick 4 lottery games. His decision to tack on an additional $30 scratch-off ticket to his purchase awarded him the $10 million top prize, the largest scratch-off prize in the state.

In a news release by lottery officials on Saturday, Harmon delivered a retelling of his once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"I went home and fired up my grill and I said, 'Well I might as well scratch my ticket.' I looked down and I said, 'Woah!'"

After showing up at lottery headquarters in Raleigh to claim his prize on Friday, the lucky winner was given the option of either taking the $10 million as an annuity of $500,000 a year over 20 years or a lump sum of $6 million. Harmon chose to take the lump sum of $6 million. After federal and state taxes, he took home over $4.2 million.

When asked what he plans on doing with his big winnings, Harmon told officials that he intends on continuing to work, using the money for retirement in a few years. "I'll still be the same old me," he said. After the pandemic, he also wants to take his kids and family on a cruise, but only when it is safe enough to do so.

Harmon was one of the first three winners of the top $10 million prizes offered in the $300,000,000 Supreme Riches scratch-off game launched in April 2019. James Belich was the first to claim the top prize last May, followed by Joseph Keefer in September. The three winners all opted to take the lump sum payment over the $500,000 annuity over 20 years.

The game offers four $10 million top prizes and six $1 million prizes. Only one $10 million prize and one $1 million prize have yet to be claimed.

"I'm thankful, I really am," Harmon said. "I believe the Lord saved that for me. He had a reason or me to win this ticket. He's got plans for me."

Lottery Post Staff

Comments

music*'s avatarmusic*

CDanaT has a post on the Discussion Forum. A video made by a scratch off winner in Missouri. Bradley Hahn won $10 million  on 4/15/2016  His personal video is excellent. 

 Bradley suggests that winners of this magnitude consult with financial advisers, CPA's, trust attorneys. I may add CFP's Certified Financial Planners. 

 Wade Harmon's luck is reassuring to scratch off players. $4.2 million can change lives.

 I hope that God's plans are a blessing for Wade Harmon and the other two winners mentioned.

dpoly1's avatardpoly1

Woo Hoo!

Nice Win!

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reddog's avatarreddog

That guy was at the right place at the right time. Good for him. I wonder if he ever finished grilling ??

Vergie6

Quote: Originally posted by reddog on May 19, 2020

That guy was at the right place at the right time. Good for him. I wonder if he ever finished grilling ??

I bet he didn't finish it!

I wouldn't have....would have been too excited to eat after finding out I won

that much!

It's funny to me most that get a huge win like that say they will be the same person

afterwards and nothing will change & will keep their job then you read later on about what happened to

them....not too many stay the same....people will drive them crazy asking for money

for one thing....I think I would move to where nobody knew I had won.

music*'s avatarmusic*

Quote: Originally posted by Vergie6 on May 19, 2020

I bet he didn't finish it!

I wouldn't have....would have been too excited to eat after finding out I won

that much!

It's funny to me most that get a huge win like that say they will be the same person

afterwards and nothing will change & will keep their job then you read later on about what happened to

them....not too many stay the same....people will drive them crazy asking for money

for one thing....I think I would move to where nobody knew I had won.

I Agree!  Moving is difficult, it is a big change. It creates stress in some people.

 A winner may be forced to move because of all the beggars.

 You can't take a winner's acceptance speech seriously. Like you say, their plans do change with reality.

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