A homeless man in California won a $1 million lottery prize that will transform his life, declaring “I’m not homeless anymore!” when he realized the magnitude of his win.
At a Glance
- A homeless man won $1 million from a $5 Triple Red 777 scratcher purchased at Sandy’s Deli-Liquor in San Luis Obispo
- The winner initially thought he had won $100,000 before Store Manager Wilson Samaan confirmed it was actually $1 million
- Samaan personally drove the winner to Fresno to submit the winning ticket to the California Lottery
- The California State Lottery is conducting a thorough vetting process before awarding the prize
- The winner plans to use the money for a home down payment, a car, and investments
From Homeless to Millionaire Overnight
A regular customer at Sandy’s Deli-Liquor in San Luis Obispo, California, experienced a life-changing moment when he purchased a winning lottery ticket worth $1 million. The man, who had been experiencing homelessness, spent $25 on lottery tickets including two $5 Triple Red 777 scratchers. The odds of winning the top prize on these tickets are an astounding 1 in 2,047,423, making his win truly remarkable. His fortune marks a dramatic turning point that will allow him to secure housing and stability after years of hardship.
Wilson Samaan, the Store Manager at Sandy’s Deli-Liquor, witnessed the incredible moment when the customer discovered his win. Initially, the winner believed he had won $100,000 – a sum that would have been life-changing on its own. However, when Samaan checked the ticket, he realized the prize was ten times larger. The celebration that followed marked the beginning of a new chapter for the longtime customer who had been struggling with homelessness.
A Moment of Disbelief and Celebration
The winner’s initial reaction was one of shock and disbelief when he first scratched the winning ticket. He immediately sought confirmation from the Store Manager to verify what seemed too good to be true. According to witnesses, the revelation led to an emotional scene as the reality of his newfound fortune began to sink in. Loyal customers and staff at the liquor store shared in his joy, recognizing the profound impact this windfall would have on someone who had been struggling for basic necessities.
“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?’,” Wilson Samaan said. “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,’ so, and we gave each other a high five.”
Rather than risking the ticket getting lost in the mail, Samaan took extraordinary measures to ensure the winner’s good fortune would be secured. He personally drove the winner to Fresno to submit the winning ticket to California Lottery officials. This gesture demonstrates the community support that emerged around the winner during this pivotal moment. The personal escort to Fresno provided not just practical assistance but emotional support during what must have been an overwhelming experience.
Verification Process and Future Plans
Before the winner can receive his $1 million prize, the California State Lottery must complete a thorough verification process. This standard procedure applies to all major lottery winners and can take weeks or even months to complete. The California Lottery processes thousands of claims each month, contributing to the extended timeline. Officials will verify the legitimacy of the ticket and confirm the winner’s identity before releasing the funds.
“With a million-dollar ticket like this, the person who comes forward can expect a very thorough vetting process,” Carolyn Becker from the California Lottery explained. “We process over 10,000 winning claims a month, so that’s part of why it takes a little bit of time.”
With his windfall, the winner has outlined practical plans for his future. His priorities include making a down payment on a home, purchasing a reliable vehicle, and establishing financial security through investments and savings.
These responsible financial decisions indicate his intention to leverage this opportunity for long-term stability rather than temporary comfort. The transformation from homelessness to homeownership represents not just a change in living situation but a complete shift in life trajectory and possibilities.