I won the top lottery prize beating odds of 30.8m to 1 – my strategy to collect the cash made me an instant million

A MEGA jackpot winner who beat a 30.8million to one odds has shared why he decided to collect instant millions rather than a yearly sum for life.

Jimmie Shindler of Gastonia, North Carolina, became an instant millionaire after his $2 Lucky for Life ticket struck gold.

Shindler, 60, purchased the ticket through Online Play on NC Education Lottery's website and won the top prize of $1,000 a day for life in the August 3 drawings.

The Gastonia resident matched the white balls - 1, 17, 25, 27 and 42 - and hit on the yellow Lucky Ball 10, defying the one in 30.8 million odds, lottery officials said.

Shindler claimed his prize on Monday, but not before he had to decide between collecting $365,000 a year for the rest of his life or a $5.75million lump sum.

The 60-year-old chose to become an instant millionaire and took home $4.08million after taxes.

The odds breaker told the Charlotte Observer he's going to "save" the $4million because "it isn't much these days".

"Just going to save the money. $4million is not much these days, my friend," Shindler said.

Shindler said he has no plans to quit his technology service job just because he hit the lotto and will retire in two years as planned.

“I’m down to earth. I cut my grass. Just simple. Just (going to) relax,” he told the outlet.

Shindler's wife, Anna Marie, was ecstatic about the win but agreed to save the money.

He has no plans for a luxurious getaway, a new home, or any large purchases - instead, they'll enjoy a nice "dinner out," Shindler said.