RALEIGH — Latonya Rayford, of Charlotte, won an $8 million top prize from a $50 scratch-off ticket, choosing to receive her winnings in annual payments of $400,000 over 20 years, N.C. Education Lottery officials announced on Wednesday.
Rayford purchased her winning $8 Million Money Maker ticket from the BP Food Mart on West Sugar Creek Road in Charlotte. She opted for the annuity option, which will provide her with $400,000 annually for 20 years, instead of a lump sum of $4.8 million.
Rayford received her first annuity payment on Monday, taking home $287,014 after required state and federal tax withholdings.
She will continue to receive annual payments of $400,000 for the next 19 years.
The $8 Million Money Maker game, which debuted in December 2024, originally offered five top prizes of $8 million and 10 prizes of $100,000. As of now, three $8 million prizes and seven $100,000 prizes remain unclaimed.
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