RICHMOND COUNTY — A Richmond County man is $1 million richer after following his instincts and buying a scratch-off ticket, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery.
Everett Cooper of Marston won a $1 million top prize on a $10 Cashword King scratch-off ticket after deciding to buy the game on a hunch, the lottery said.
In a lottery press release, Cooper described the feeling that led him to purchase the ticket.
“Something just told me to get that ticket,” he said. “I had that feeling.”
Cooper bought the winning ticket at CAPL Retail on South Main Street in Laurinburg. The lottery said he enjoys playing crossword-style scratch-off games.
“I like to have a coffee, take my time and enjoy myself when I play,” he said.
When Cooper claimed his prize June 29 at lottery headquarters, he chose the lump-sum option of $600,000 instead of an annuity that would have paid $50,000 annually over 20 years. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he received $432,063.
According to the lottery press release, Cooper plans to use his winnings to help his family and his church.
The Cashword King game debuted in August with five $1 million top prizes. One $1 million top prize remains unclaimed, according to the lottery.