A South Carolina father decided to take his lunch break and returned a multimillionaire in a North Carolina lottery.
James Belich picked up a lottery ticket while on his midday break, scratched it in the store and discovered he’d won $10 million, according to North Carolina Education Lottery.
“You never expect it,” Belich told lottery officials. “You think maybe you’ll win something, but not $10 million. It’s unbelievable.”
“It’s awesome, just a blessing.”
After taxes and fees, he’s bringing home about $4.2 million. Belich said that he and his wife will use part of the money to pay off their bills and then invest the rest. He won the game playing the playing the $300,000,000 Supreme Riches scratch-off.
Belich claimed his prize Tuesday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. He had the option of taking a $10 million annuity that has 20 payments of $500,000 a year or a lump sum of $6 million. He chose the lump sum and, after required state and federal tax withholding, he took home $4,245,009. Belich and his wife don’t plan on making any big lifestyle changes just yet and will use their winnings to pay bills and invest.
“When he got home, he was so shocked all he could do was hold the ticket up in front of my face,” said his wife, Emily. “Our two boys are too young to really understand. Our oldest is five and he thinks we won $20.”
Mostly, he’s happy that his two young sons are set for life.
“We may buy a few extra rounds for folks when we go out, but this prize will create a brighter future for our kids,” Belich said. “That’s what’s important.”
“It’s awesome, just a blessing.”
For James Belich of #Lancaster, SC, a routine lunch break turned into a $10 million win. Belich couldn’t wait to share the news with his family. “We’re all really, really close,” Belich said. “It’s important for me to share this win with them.” #NCLottery https://t.co/3CKabj0po5 pic.twitter.com/Ds1aowVvJD
— NC Education Lottery (@nclottery) May 24, 2019
Belich is the first player to win the top prize since the $30 ticket launched in April with four $10 million prizes and six $1 million prizes. Three $10 million prizes and five $1 million prizes remain to be claimed.
What would you do with $10,000,000? Let us know in the comments.
