COLUMBIA, SC (November 21, 2007) – Would you chose $50,000 a year for 20 years or a one-time lump sum payment of $600,000? That’s the interesting choice John Thomason of Simpsonville had to make!
The life-long South Carolina resident just claimed one of the top prizes in the 20 Year Bonus annuity instant game! “I had a feeling. Something told me to stop in the store and buy that ticket,” he said. “I started scratching off the rows of numbers and I just couldn’t believe it when it showed I had won $1 million!”
When the $1 million annuity top prize is won, the 20 Year Bonus ticket offers players a choice of 20 annual installments of $50,000 or a one-time lump sum payment of $600,000. Thomason wanted the cash up front. “I’m 60 years old now. I might not have another 20 years left in me,” the winner joked.
Thomason is already enjoying his newfound wealth. He treated both his daughters to new SUVs and he plans to buy a motorcycle for himself. The modest winner says he won’t quit his job just yet but may retire next year.
Thomason bought his ticket at Piedmont Petro Corner Mart #20 on Woodruff Road in Simpsonville. The lucky retailer will cash in on Thomason’s win, too. The Corner Mart #20 will get a $6,000 incentive check for selling the winning instant ticket. SCEL offers a one percent selling bonus on redeemed lottery tickets worth $10,000 or more. Selling bonuses are capped at $50,000.
There are four top prizes remaining in the 20 Year Bonus game, with more than $21 million in total prizes still available.
Since its inception in 2002, the support the South Carolina Education Lottery has received from players and retailers is responsible for the General Assembly appropriating more than $1.74 billion for educational purposes through fiscal year 2008.
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