Community Corner
A California Homeless Man Wins $1M On Scratchers Lottery Ticket, Store Owner Says
"He thought he won $100,000 and was excited," the Sandy's Liquor Store co-owner said. "Then I told him he had a $1 million ticket!"
CALIFORNIA—A Central California liquor store says it sold a winning Scratcher's ticket worth $1 million to an unhoused man who frequents the store.
The man visited Sandy's Liquor Store at 586 Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo on a Sunday evening in early April. Before he left, he purchased the $10 Triple Red 777 Scratchers ticket that has 22 ways to win.
"It isn't unusual for him to try his luck on the Scratchers tickets," Sandy's Liquor and Deli part-owner Wilson Samaan told Patch. "He's a frequent shop visitor, and has purchased Scratchers tickets many times before."
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They sold the ticket about 6:30 p.m. on a Sunday, and the next day, he came thinking he'd won $100,000, Samaan said. "I looked it over and said, 'No! You won the million-dollar prize!'"
He offered to drive the ticket winner, whose identity remains protected, to Fresno to verify the ticket's validity.
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A spokesperson for the CA Lottery confirmed with Patch that the winning Scratchers game was a $1 million prize on the Triple Red 777 ticket.
"Winners’ names are not shared until after the claim process is complete," they added. Patch has agreed to withhold the winner's name to honor that process.
The store will receive a bonus from the CA Lottery for selling the winning Scratchers ticket and will be known as a lucky store from now on, which is fine with Samaan. "I'm hoping it inspires more people to come here and shop here."
While awaiting final confirmation of the winnings, Samaan said he has offered to help the ticket winner find an apartment or a hotel. The pair have become friends over the years.
"He doesn't have a car or anywhere to go, and he was afraid to get on the bus, and didn't want to mail it. I trust him, he's an honest guy."
Another $1 million Scratchers prize winner won in Riverside County, also in April, according to CA Lottery spokesperson Daniel Kelly. At that time, he said there were only two remaining top prizes for $100 Million Mega Cash Scratchers, according to our website. If this ticket pans out, there is one more chance to win the big prize.
Good luck scratching your way to a million!
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