A homeless man in San Luis Obispo, California, has become a millionaire overnight after winning a $1 million prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket. The winning ticket, part of the California Lottery's Triple Red 777 game, was purchased at Sandy's Deli-Liquor, where the store manager, Wilson Samaan, confirmed the life-changing news.
According to Samaan, the man, who has been a longtime customer at the store, was initially in disbelief when he scratched off the ticket. "He came to the store, he scratched it and is like, 'Oh my god, is that real?'" Samaan recounted. "I’m like, 'Let me see.' So 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 one million dollars. Congrats brother!'
The excitement didn’t stop there. Samaan, who has worked at Sandy's since 2013, took it upon himself to drive the winner to Fresno the following day to claim the prize. The winner had considered mailing the ticket but was advised against it due to its high value. "I told him, 'That’s a million-dollar ticket. No, I will drive you there,'" Samaan said. This act of kindness illustrates the bond that had formed between the two, as the man often hung around the shop and occasionally helped watch the store while Samaan was busy restocking.
The California Lottery confirmed that the $1 million winning ticket was indeed sold at Sandy's Deli-Liquor, although official validation is still pending. Carolyn Becker, a spokesperson for the California Lottery, explained that winners undergo a thorough vetting process. "With a million-dollar ticket like this, the person who comes forward can expect a very thorough vetting process. We process over 10,000 winning claims a month, so that’s part of why it takes a little bit of time," she said.
The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, expressed that this unexpected windfall is life-changing. He plans to use the money for a down payment on a home, purchase a car, and invest the remainder of the funds. "He said he’s not going to waste the second chance he got gifted," Samaan shared. "He’s gonna buy a car and a small house. Then the rest of the money, he’s going to invest or find a business." This new direction offers hope for a brighter future, allowing him to escape the hardships of homelessness.
This significant win marks the largest payout Sandy's Deli-Liquor has ever seen, and as a retailer, the store will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. Samaan proudly noted, "This has never happened here before," and a photo of the winning ticket is now displayed behind the counter.
The Triple Red 777 ticket mimics the look of a classic slot machine, featuring red "7" symbols across its scratchable panels. Players win by revealing specific combinations of symbols, with the top prize being $1 million. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 2.92 million, making this win all the more remarkable.
Despite the joyful news, the reality of the situation remains that the verification process for lottery winnings can take several weeks. Becker emphasized that the California Lottery never announces winners until the claims and vetting process is complete, ensuring that all necessary checks are in place to confirm the legitimacy of the claim.
The story of this homeless man's lottery win has resonated deeply within the community, highlighting the potential for change that can arise from unexpected fortune. As he embarks on this new chapter of his life, the man hopes to turn his dreams into reality, moving from the streets into a stable home and a promising future.
In a world where financial struggles can often feel insurmountable, this story serves as a reminder of the power of luck and the possibility of second chances. As Samaan put it, "He’s a good person, he deserves every penny." The community watches with bated breath, eager to see how this newfound wealth will transform the life of one of their own.
