Massachusetts man plans on getting away after hitting $1 million State Lottery prize

A Massachusetts man already knows what he plans on doing with the cash after hitting big money recently on a State Lottery scratch ticket.

According to the Massachusetts State Lottery, Michael Barber Jr. of Taunton is the winner of the first $1 million prize in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s new “$1,000,000 Merry & Bright” $5 instant ticket game.

He chose the cash option on his prize and received a one-time payment of $650,000 (before taxes). Barber Jr. said he plans on putting the winnings towards travel and home repairs.

He purchased his winning ticket at Regal Wine & Spirits, 365 Bay St. in Taunton. The store will receive a $10,000 bonus for its sale of this ticket.

The “$1,000,000 Merry & Bright” ticket is one of six holiday-themed tickets that launched on October 15. In addition to chances to win top prizes ranging from $500 to $2.5 million, players can enter non-winning holiday tickets into a drawing for chances to win cash prizes from $100 to $10,000. More information is available at masslottery.com.