Current:Home > FinanceCalifornia man wins $10 million after letting cashier choose his scratch-off ticket -MoneyStream
California man wins $10 million after letting cashier choose his scratch-off ticket
View
Date:2025-04-13 08:18:18
A California man walked out of a store holding a $10 million lottery ticket, thanks to a clerk's recommendation after he couldn't decide which scratch-off ticket to buy.
Brent Young won his $10 million from the California 200X $30 instant game. He bought the winning ticket at Prince Food & Gas on West Walnut Avenue in Visalia.
Young had no idea which game would give him the best chance of winning. Feeling indecisive, he asked the clerk for help in picking a ticket.
It can be challenging for players to choose from over two dozen scratch-off games the California Lottery offers. The clerk picked out a ticket from the $30 instant game California 200X.
After paying for his gas and lottery ticket, Young got to work scratching. As he was about halfway through, he noticed that one of his numbers matched the winning numbers printed on the side of the ticket. There was no mistaking it - the prize amount of $10,000,000 was printed in bold font.
"When I saw all those zeros, I was like, 'No way, this doesn't happen to people like me,'" Young told the Lottery. "It's crazy. Out of all those options, the clerk could have picked a different game, but he didn't. He grabbed a winner."
Young was surprised to find himself at this particular retailer. He typically purchased fuel and lottery tickets at a different gas station. However, on that day, the other gas station was closed, so he had to stop at Prince Food & Gas instead.
"It's almost like God's intervention," Young told the Lottery. "I didn't have a specific ticket I was going to buy, so I let someone else decide. I had no choice but to go to Prince's. My usual stop was closed. If it had been open, none of this probably would have happened."
After federal taxes, he chose to receive the $5.8 million lump sum prize, and the owner of Prince Food & Gas received a $50,000 bonus for selling the ticket.
What is California 200X?
California 200X is a California-exclusive instant game where players can win up to $10 million.
After Young won the top prize, four out of nine $10 million prizes remain in the $30 California 200X game. Additionally, nine out of 18 $750,000 second-tier prizes and 40 out of 92 $50,000 third-tier prizes, remain.
More:New York woman comes forward to claim $12 million prize from a 1991 jackpot, largest in state history
What are the odds of winning California 200X?
The overall odds of winning any prize in the game are 1 in 2.71. The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 3,041,187.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.
veryGood! (74236)
Related
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- An 11-year-old Virginia boy is charged with making swatting calls to Florida schools
- Why Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman hope 'Deadpool & Wolverine' is a 'fastball of joy'
- Olympians Are Putting Cardboard Beds to the Ultimate Test—But It's Not What You Think
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Netanyahu meets with Biden and Harris to narrow gaps on a Gaza war cease-fire deal
- Pregnant Lea Michele Reveals How She’s Preparing for Baby No. 2
- Judge declares mistrial in case of Vermont sheriff accused of kicking inmate
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Ronda Rousey Is Pregnant, Expecting Another Baby With Husband Travis Browne
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- A man got third-degree burns walking on blazing hot sand dunes in Death Valley, rangers say
- Wildfires prompt California evacuations as crews battle Oregon and Idaho fires stoked by lightning
- Judge declares mistrial in case of Vermont sheriff accused of kicking inmate
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- Kamala Harris is using Beyoncé's ‘Freedom’ as her campaign song: What to know about the anthem
- Tyler Perry sparks backlash for calling critics 'highbrow' with dated racial term
- Judge won’t block Georgia prosecutor disciplinary body that Democrats fear is aimed at Fani Willis
Recommendation
Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge
Lawsuit against Texas officials for jailing woman who self-induced abortion can continue
Tyler Perry sparks backlash for calling critics 'highbrow' with dated racial term
Squatter gets 40 years for illegally taking over Panama City Beach condo in Florida
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
Get an Extra 40% Off Madewell Sale Styles, 75% Off Lands' End, $1.95 Bath & Body Works Deals & More
Kamala Harris is using Beyoncé's ‘Freedom’ as her campaign song: What to know about the anthem
'A beautiful soul': Arizona college student falls to death from Yosemite's Half Dome cables