Gut feeling? Pure instinct? Whatever it was, it helped the lucky winner score big-time
By Kate Northrop
A North Carolina man must be feeling really good about his intuition right about now — his decision to head back into the store to buy a third scratch-off lottery ticket earned him a $1 million prize.
In early May, Larry Parks of Valdese purchased two $10,000,000 Colossal Cash scratch-off tickets for $30 each at Mel's Superette in Hickory. Parks left the store, but for some reason, he decided to go back in to buy one more. That third ticket turned out to be worth $1 million.
The maintenance mechanic originally assumed that buying those tickets would be enough to win back the amount he paid for the tickets. Expecting to reveal a $30 reward after scratching off a lottery ticket, he was not anticipating uncovering a $1 million prize.
On Wednesday, Parks claimed his prize at the lottery headquarters in Raleigh. He decided on taking the lump sum payout of $600,000 over the $1 million as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years. After federal and state taxes, he received $424,509. He plans on buying a new home and then saving the rest.
"I was just in the right place," he told the N.C. Education Lottery. "Something told me to go in and buy another one. If I hadn't, someone else would be sitting where I'm sitting right now, so I'm thankful for that."
After Parks' win, four of the sixteen $1 million prizes offered in the $10,000,000 Colossal Cash game have yet to be won. The game also offers four top prizes of $10 million, two of which have been claimed.
Congratulations to Larry Parks from Valdese, N.C. $424,509.00 is definitely good news. A Lottery Dream Home is in his future.
"Something told me to go in and buy another one." I believe he listened to the soft voice of the Holy Spirit. A gentle voice.
Congratulations to Larry Parks! I love how he realizes that he was simply in the right place at the right time... timing is everything. Congratulations!
Congrats to the winner - really about the right place and right time - and the right last minute decision.
Congratulations...sometimes gut feelings are right.
Somebody explain this to me...am thinking it has to do with a bond taken out on a lottery ticket: His ticket cost $30; cash option pre-tax $600K. KY has a $20 ticket, $1 million top prize (6 of them), cash option of $838,278 pre-tax. Maybe KY invests the money more wisely, this is a significant difference! This is verified on their website. Still I'd be happy as a pig in mud with $600K pre-tax!
Late last week was talking to a guy who plays regularly. We went outside and said he won $100. Then said No, I won $100K. Printed up instructions on how to get his moola and didn't see him until today. He went there Friday--KLC--and said to return Monday. Said any pictures? He said No, not allowed in there. They take your information and then give you your check. Am thinking this is the time to win big!!
Congratulation to Larry Parks, on his win. Right place , right time & great intuition.
"Congrats & WTG." 
Some times you just gotta go for it, and l'm not talking about trying to beat the freight train to the crossing. Ballsy move, but it paid off.