Charlotte lottery player claims $2 million scratch-off prize, chooses lump sum payout after taxes

A $20 scratch-off purchase in west Charlotte led to one of the game’s remaining top prizes

A Charlotte resident identified by the North Carolina Education Lottery as Desylvia has claimed a $2 million top prize from a scratch-off ticket, after purchasing a $20 “$2,000,000 Diamond Deluxe” ticket at Byrum’s Food Mart on Oakdale Road in Charlotte.

The claim was completed at lottery headquarters on Wednesday. The winner was offered two standard payout options for the advertised top prize: an annuity of $100,000 per year for 20 years, or a reduced lump-sum payment. Desylvia selected the lump-sum option of $1.2 million. After required federal and state tax withholdings, the net amount paid was $864,126.

How the game’s top prize structure works

“$2,000,000 Diamond Deluxe” is an instant-win scratch-off game that debuted in December 2023. The lottery lists four top prizes of $2 million and eight prizes of $100,000 as part of the game’s overall prize structure. Following this claim, the lottery reported that two $2 million prizes and one $100,000 prize remained unclaimed at the time of the announcement.

• Ticket price: $20

• Top advertised prize: $2,000,000

• Winner’s selected option: $1.2 million lump sum

• Net after withholdings: $864,126

Recent pattern of large scratch-off claims in the Charlotte area

The win adds to a growing list of high-dollar lottery claims tied to Charlotte addresses in recent months, reflecting the steady popularity of scratch-off games in North Carolina. Lottery announcements over the past year have included Charlotte residents claiming prizes ranging from six figures to multi-million-dollar top awards, often with winners choosing between annuity and cash options and receiving reduced net payouts after mandatory tax withholdings.

While scratch-off games can produce large individual payouts, the games are designed around fixed odds and a preset prize pool, meaning top prizes can remain available for long periods or be claimed quickly depending on ticket sales and where winning tickets are distributed.

Where help is available for problem gambling

If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, confidential help is available. In North Carolina, support resources include the state’s problem gambling helpline and text/chat services promoted through regulated-gaming programs.

As with all lottery games sold in North Carolina, players must be at least 18 years old to purchase tickets.