One man’s $5 gamble at a San Luis Obispo liquor store turned into a million-dollar miracle—and a whole new life.
At a Glance
- Homeless man wins $1 million on a lottery scratcher
- Ticket purchased at Sandy’s Deli-Liquor in San Luis Obispo
- Store manager verified the win and helped with the claim
- California Lottery is vetting the prize
- Winner plans to buy a home and invest wisely
From $5 Ticket to Millionaire
A single $5 scratch-off lottery ticket transformed one homeless man’s life forever. The man, whose name has not been released, purchased the winning ticket at Sandy’s Deli-Liquor in San Luis Obispo. As reported by the New York Post, he initially believed he had won just $100,000—until store manager Wilson Samaan corrected him: “No, bro. That’s $1 million.”
Samaan recounted the moment with joy: “He’s like, ‘Man, I’m not homeless anymore!’ I’m like, ‘Man, you hit the jackpot.’” Their celebration included a high-five as the reality set in.
Watch CBS News’ report on the incident at Homeless Man Wins $1M Lottery Prize.
Verifying the Life-Changing Win
Once the win was confirmed, Samaan took it upon himself to help the lucky customer begin the official claims process. He personally drove the man to the California State Lottery office in Fresno to submit his documents. As Live 5 News reports, Samaan’s role didn’t end at the counter—he stayed by the winner’s side during the emotional journey.
California Lottery spokesperson Carolyn Becker noted that big wins like this undergo a rigorous vetting process. “With a million-dollar ticket like this, the person who comes forward can expect a very thorough vetting process,” she explained, as cited by People Magazine.
Dreams of Stability and Security
With the prize pending official approval, the man is already envisioning a new chapter. His goals include purchasing a home, acquiring a reliable vehicle, and making smart investments to ensure long-term security. As Becker told Live 5 News, while the Lottery processes over 10,000 claims monthly, major jackpots understandably require more time and care.
The statistical odds of such a win—roughly 1 in 2 million—only amplify the magic of the moment. For a man who had little more than hope, this windfall isn’t just money—it’s a second chance.
Community Cheers as Story Spreads
The story quickly went viral, with news outlets and social media buzzing over the feel-good moment. Tweets from the San Francisco Chronicle and New York Post drew thousands of shares as readers across the country celebrated the man’s transformation.
With a million-dollar dream finally within reach, this once-homeless Californian is now on the path to rebuilding his life—thanks to luck, generosity, and a winning ticket.
