A North Carolina resident ended up getting more than he bargained for when he was announced as the winner of two prizes of $25,000 per year for life.
Scotty Thomas, 49, said he was watching a basketball game on television when he could not remember whether or not he filled out his ticket for the Lucky for Life lottery. He went ahead and refilled the drawing and found out the next morning he had won twice, according to the North Carolina Education Lottery.
“When I realized I won, I had to lay down on the floor because I really just couldn’t believe it,” Thomas said. “It’s just a blessing.”
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Upon collecting his winnings, Thomas was presented with three options: He could receive $50,000 a year for life, receive $25,000 for life and the other prize as a lump sum of $390,000, or take both as lump sums for a total of $780,000, the outlet reported.
He ultimately decided to take the two lump-sum payments in order to invest in his business, pay off bills, help his family, and maybe buy a house. After taxes, he took home a total of $551,851, according to the outlet.
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The $25,000-per-year prize Lucky for Life offers is its second-biggest prize, with its largest prize offering winners $1,000 every day. Drawings for both prizes are selected daily, the outlet reported.
