James Varnedore of Roanoke Rapids is celebrating his good fortune after winning the first top prize of $1 million in the new Million Dollar Fever scratch-off game.
Varnedore bought the $10 ticket at the New Dixie Mart on Highway 48 at Smith Church Road in Roanoke Rapids.
He claimed his prize today at lottery headquarters in Raleigh.
Varnedore had the choice of taking a $1 million annuity that has 20 payments of $50,000 a year or a lump sum of $600,000.
He chose the lump sum and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $417,009.
The scratch-off game launched on August 1 with five top prizes of $1 million. Four top prizes remain.
Lottery Brand Communications Specialist Townley Cheek said Varnedore declined to be photographed and declined the release of any other information beyond the lottery’s news release.