Union County woman enjoys $8 million top prize win

Haya Freitekh of Waxhaw took a chance on a $50 scratch-off and won an $8 million top prize.

Freitekh bought her lucky $8 Million Money Maker ticket from the Publix on Providence Road South in Marvin.

When Freitekh arrived at lottery headquarters Tuesday to collect her winnings, she had a decision to make. She could choose to receive her prize as an annuity of $400,000 a year over 20 years or a lump sum of $4.8 million. She chose the lump sum of $4.8 million and, after state and federal tax withholdings, took home $3,456,494.

The $8 Million Money Maker game debuted in December 2024 with five top prizes of $8 million and 10 prizes of $100,000. One $8 million prize and four $100,000 prizes remain to be claimed.