A California man experiencing homelessness won $1 million from a scratch-off lottery ticket he bought at a local liquor store, according to regional reports.
The winning ticket was purchased at Sandy’s Deli-Liquor in San Luis Obispo. The store manager, Wilson Samaan, told Cal Coastal News that the man is a familiar face and often helps him by keeping an eye on the front of the store.
At first, the winner believed he’d scored $100,000, but when Samaan double-checked the ticket, he discovered it was actually worth $1 million.
“He came to the store, he scratched it and is like, ‘Oh, my God. Is that real? Wilson, can you come and take a look?’” Samaan recalled. “I grabbed the ticket out of his hand, went to the machine over there. He’s like, ‘Man, I’m not homeless anymore!’ I’m like, ‘Man, you hit the jackpot.’ He’s like, ‘$100,000,’ and I’m like, ‘No, bro. That’s $1 million. Congrats, brother.’ Then we gave each other a high five.”
Samaan confirmed that it was the first time anyone had won such a large prize from his shop. He also went out of his way to personally drive the man to the California Lottery office in Fresno, ensuring the ticket was delivered safely. The winner had originally considered mailing it in.
“I was so excited he hit the jackpot because he deserves it,” Samaan said. “It’s like when good things happen to good people.”
The winning scratcher was a Red 777 ticket. California Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker told KSBY that large prize claims go through a strict vetting process before funds are released, which can take a few months.
The man shared that he plans to use the money for a home downpayment, buy a car, and save the rest.
The win has brought a life-changing opportunity to someone who truly needed it—and gave a local store owner a reason to celebrate, too.
