Gastonia Man Wins $1 Million North Carolina Lottery Prize

Ronnie Denton from Gastonia won $1 million on a $10 scratch-off ticket. He chose the $600,000 lump sum. The ticket came from Will's Food Store on South New Hope Road in Gastonia.

Denton arrived at lottery headquarters Monday. He faced a choice: $50,000 each year across 20 years, or $600,000 right away.

State and federal taxes took a big bite. After withholdings, Denton walked away with $430,503.

The $1,000,000 Bonus Match game started in August. It offered five top prizes. Three have been claimed now, leaving two $1 million prizes still up for grabs.

Will's Food Store sold the winning ticket. That's where Denton made his purchase before discovering his windfall.

Last year, Gaston County schools received $14.2 million from lottery proceeds. These contributions support education across the county.

North Carolina lottery money has reached all 100 counties. Information about each county's share appears at nclottery.com in the "Impact" section.

The $10 ticket changed everything. Denton's lump sum decision meant he got the money now instead of waiting 20 years for annual installments.