BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — John Ross of Leland has won a prize of $25,000 per year for life, according to a news release from the North Carolina Education Lottery.
“I just close my eyes and point to a random number,” Ross said.
He bought a $2 winning ticket online and matched all five white balls in the July 14 drawing, winning the cash prize.
“The day I painted it was actually my wife's birthday,” Ross says. “It's unbelievable.”
Ross, 56, said he likes to play Lucky for Life the same way every time.
“I always bet just one ticket because that's all it takes to win,” Ross said.
He claimed his prize at lottery headquarters on Friday and could choose to receive $25,000 annually for the rest of his life or a lump sum of $390,000.
He opted for a lump sum of $390,000.
After state and federal tax withholding, he had $278,851.
“This will help me get to where I need to be by retirement,” he said.
Ross said he plans to use the winnings to pay bills and donate to charity.
