North Carolina woman wins $3 million after buying $30 scratch-off

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) -- Cathy Stroupe, of Bessemer City, bought a $30 scratch-off and won a $3 million prize, according to an NC Education Lottery news release.

Stroupe bought her winning ticket from Kingsway #5 on South 14th Street in Bessemer City.

When Stroupe arrived at lottery headquarters Thursday to collect her prize, she had a decision to make.

She could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $150,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $1.8 million.

She chose the lump-sum amount of $1.8 million.

After required state and federal tax withholdings, she took home $1,278,189.