SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — A South San Francisco resident is celebrating a life-changing moment after winning $1 million on a California Lottery scratcher ticket—purchased at none other than his regular neighborhood gas station.
Javier Sanchez, the lucky winner, purchased the winning ticket at the Circle K located at 221 Airport Boulevard, a spot he frequents for his routine lottery buys. What started as just another casual scratch turned into a windfall that most players only dream of.
A Million-Dollar Moment from a Familiar Place
According to the California Lottery, Sanchez has been a regular lottery player for years, and Circle K has long been his go-to place for purchasing tickets. His loyalty finally paid off with a $1 million prize, which he plans to use wisely—starting with paying off his home.
For Sanchez, this isn’t the first time luck has been on his side. Lottery officials noted that between May 2024 and February 2025, Sanchez had already won $1,000 total from five other scratchers. While those wins were modest, they were just the beginning of what turned out to be an incredible streak.
“This one is different,” Sanchez told lottery officials with a smile. “I’ve been playing for years, and it finally happened.”
A Lucky Week for California Lottery Players
Sanchez’s win was just one of three major scratcher prize announcements made by the California Lottery this week. Two other Southern California residents also walked away with $2 million each after trying their luck on scratcher games.
Other Big Winners This Week:
- Candice Stephens, from Indio, won $2 million after purchasing her ticket at Sherman’s Liquor & Food.
- Shawntwayne Cannon, a resident of Palmdale, hit the $2 million jackpot on an Instant Prize Crossword scratcher, which he bought at Saddleback Market.
The wins underscore the fact that scratcher tickets remain among the most popular and successful games in the California Lottery’s lineup, offering frequent players a chance at massive rewards for relatively low entry costs.
Scratchers: Small Stakes, Big Payouts
Scratchers—instant-win tickets available in denominations ranging from $1 to $30—are an increasingly popular choice for lottery players looking for immediate gratification. With themes ranging from crosswords to prize wheels and games tailored to every price point, scratchers account for a significant portion of California’s lottery revenue.
Winning amounts can range from just a few dollars to life-altering sums in the millions. For those like Sanchez, who enjoy playing regularly and view it as a form of entertainment, the big wins are an exciting bonus that sometimes, just sometimes, pay off.
Impact Beyond the Prize
California Lottery officials often remind the public that lottery sales also benefit public education. A portion of every scratcher sold goes toward supporting California’s K–12 schools, community colleges, and universities.
That means every winning ticket, and even every non-winning ticket, contributes to a greater good. In fiscal year 2022–23 alone, the California Lottery raised over $2 billion for public education through all its games.
Advice from a Winner: “Play for Fun, Not Expectation”
While lottery dreams are widespread, Sanchez offers a grounded take on his win.
“I never expected this,” he said. “I play because I enjoy it. If you win, that’s great—but don’t spend more than you can afford.”
His approach echoes the sentiments of lottery officials, who continue to emphasize responsible play as part of their messaging. Lottery players are encouraged to set a budget, view tickets as entertainment, and never chase losses.
Will Sanchez Keep Playing?
When asked whether he’ll continue buying scratchers after winning a million dollars, Sanchez didn’t hesitate.
“Of course,” he laughed. “Maybe lightning will strike twice.”
While most players won’t hit it big, stories like Sanchez’s show that sometimes everyday routines can turn into million-dollar moments—especially when the odds align.
Where to Check for Current Winning Tickets
Players interested in checking the latest winning tickets, scratcher games, or odds can visit the official California Lottery website or stop by participating retailers. Many stores also display recent winner photos and prize amounts.
So the next time you’re at your local gas station or corner store, that $5 scratcher might be more than just a quick game—it could be your own story in the making.
Leave a Reply