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Columbus County man will buy a house with $1 million win

June 22, 2026 Posted by NC Lottery at 2:53 PM
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Eugene McMillan of Riegelwood noticed a new scratch-off ticket so he decided to try his luck on Friday and won the first $1 million top prize in the new game.

“It’s a brand new game and I like to try those,” McMillan said.

He bought his lucky $10 Jumbo Bucks ticket from the Minuteman Food Mart on Mercantile Drive in Leland. McMillan’s wife, who was with him at the time, wanted to immediately share the big news.

“She called the whole family,” he laughed.

When McMillan arrived at lottery headquarters Monday, 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 state and federal tax withholdings, took home $432,063.

McMillan plans to use his winnings to buy a house.

The Jumbo Bucks game debuted this month with five top prizes of $1 million. Four $1 million prizes remain to be claimed.

The state provided over $67 million in grants, using money raised by the lottery, to help Columbus County with school construction needs. For details on other ways Columbus County benefits from lottery funds, visit www.eaglebackflow.com and click on the “Impact” section.


8 COMMENTS

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6/30/2026 03:07 - Roger K.

432,063 that would suit me fine! Just got to win it first!

6/24/2026 07:31 - Berry B.

Very nice to see someone in my neck of the woods winning!

6/23/2026 04:26 - Angela A.

Congrats! @NCEL why is it on Digital Instants on .50 play out of all the outcomes for Winning prizes I have never Won over $20 and most of the time it is $3.50 to $15 when there are at least 60 more larger prizes yet I do like the Pick-3 repeat those same ol' low wins! How can you play for fun when you can't have fun losing all the time...the joy is in WINNING at least some of the time. I know you can't WIN all the time, but you Deposit $10-$50 and nothing playing for .50

6/23/2026 09:00 - Felicia C.

Congratulations

6/23/2026 02:30 - Robert f.

Congratulations I would buy a house to if I won the 1M top prize, maybe one of these days. enjoy your big win

6/22/2026 09:55 - avery f.

Awesome job I actually know him and I am happy for him and his family my turn is coming soon

6/22/2026 05:05 - Julia M.

Congratulations!

6/22/2026 04:46 - komal v.

Congratulations!!

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