RALEIGH — A Belmont man is living the dream after winning $10 million on a $30 Extreme Millions scratch off ticket.
Howard Smith III purchased the winning ticket at Will’s Food Store on South New Hope Road in Gastonia.
“When my five-year-old found out I won, he asked if I would buy him a Ferrari,” Smith said with a laugh. “I’ll buy him a toy one and get him something better. I plan to set up a trust fund for each of my three children to make sure they’re taken care of.”
Smith said he was running errands when he stopped to cash in tickets he had previously bought.
“I had two Extreme Millions tickets that I needed to cash in sitting on my dresser,” Smith explained. “They had been there for about three months, so I grabbed them and took them with me.”
After cashing in the tickets, Smith bought a $10 ticket and $30 Extreme Millions ticket. When he didn’t win on the first ticket, Smith says he didn’t immediately scratch off the big winner, but was pleasantly surprised when he did.
“I was a little shocked to say the least,” Smith said. “I called my wife and asked her to come get me. I told her, ‘I don’t think I can drive right now.’”
Smith chose a $6 million lump sum payment over 20 annual payments of $500,000. After state and federal taxes, he walked away with $4,230.069.
Extreme Millions launched in December 2016 with four $10 million prizes, and 22 $1 million prizes. One top prize and six $1 million prizes remain to be claimed. Players can also enter their tickets for a chance to win $1 million in two more Extreme Millions second-chance drawings.
