A man experiencing homelessness recently won a $1 million lottery jackpot in San Luis Obispo, California, offering him a chance at financial stability. The winning ticket was purchased at Sandy’s Deli-Liquor, where the man has been a regular customer for years. Wilson Samaan, the store manager, told NBC affiliate KSBY that this was the first major lottery prize won at their location.
When the man scratched the ticket in front of Samaan, he initially thought the prize was only $100,000. But Samaan quickly confirmed it was the full $1 million. “I told him, ‘No, bro. That’s $1 million. Congrats, brother,’” Samaan said. They celebrated with a high five.
Wanting to help, Samaan offered to drive the man to the California State Lottery office rather than having him mail in the claim form. The man accepted and was taken to the office for the claim process.
The California State Lottery follows a thorough vetting procedure before paying out large prizes. Spokesperson Carolyn Becker told KSBY that the process includes background checks and an interview with the winner. This helps ensure the prize goes to the rightful owner and checks if the winner owes money to the state. Becker noted that the process can take weeks or even months, especially since the lottery processes over 10,000 claims monthly.
The winner declined to share his name but described the prize as “life-changing.” He plans to use the money to make a down payment on a house, buy a car, and save and invest the rest wisely.
Lottery experts recommend that winners meet with legal and financial advisors before claiming their prize. Akshay Khanna, CEO of Jackpot.com, explained that many winners set up trusts or legal entities to manage their funds for tax and privacy reasons.
However, California law requires lottery winners to reveal their identity publicly. Depending on whether the winner takes the lump sum or annuity payments, taxes could reduce the payout by about half.
Meanwhile, some large lottery prizes remain unclaimed across the country. Officials are still searching for the winner of a $344 million Mega Millions jackpot. A $50,000 ticket sold in Indiana is also awaiting its owner, with warnings issued to the public.
This recent $1 million win offers hope and a fresh start to a man who has faced hardship but now holds the possibility of a brighter future.
