Dare County man pockets $1 million top prize

Einer Aguilar Garcia of Wanchese took a chance on a $30 scratch-off and won a $1 million prize.

Aguilar Garcia bought his lucky MAX-A-MILLION ticket from the Duck Thru Food Store on N.C. 345 in Wanchese.

When Aguilar Garcia arrived at lottery headquarters Tuesday, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum of $600,000 and, after required tax withholdings, took home $396,060.

The MAX-A-MILLION game debuted in March with 25 top prizes of $1 million and 10 prizes of $100,000. Fourteen $1 million prizes and six $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.