Landfill trip leads to $2 million lottery win in Stockton
Stockton man scores $2 million Scratcher win on day off
– A routine trip to the landfill turned into a $2 million payday for Donald Simon, a Stockton resident who recently won big with a California Lottery Scratchers ticket.
On his way to the dump, Simon stopped at My Good Market on Country Club Boulevard in Stockton to buy a drink and try his luck with a few Scratchers tickets, according to a press release from the California Lottery. A $20 Instant Prize Crossword ticket turned out to be the winner, delivering the game’s $2 million top prize.
“At first, I thought I’d won two thousand,” Simon said. “In fact, when I got home, I told my wife she could have half (if she went and cashed it in). I’ve been trying to win for a long time.”
The next day, Simon returned to work, where his boss jokingly teased him about taking the day off without pay. Simon then shared his news.
“I showed him on my phone that I actually did make money on my day off,” Simon said. “But he didn’t believe it. He started laughing and said, ‘next time you want to prank someone, prank somebody else!’”
According to the California Lottery, Simon’s previous biggest win had been $2,000. Despite the $2 million prize, he said he would continue playing. “I’m not going to let it slow me down. I’ve got Scratchers all over my front seat right now,” Simon said.
My Good Market, where Simon purchased the ticket, also benefits from the win. The store will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the lucky ticket.
Simon’s win is part of a recent streak of big Scratchers prizes. Mustan Mahmud of Los Angeles won $5 million with a 100X Scratchers ticket from Kims Mobil Station on Manchester Avenue. Regino Meza of Temecula won $1 million with a Multiplier Craze Scratchers ticket purchased at a Chevron station on Temecula Parkway.
Audrey Palacios De La Hoya became a $1 million winner with a $1 Million Ultimate Cash Scratchers ticket bought at Stater Bros on Greenspot Road in Highland, San Bernardino County.
For more information, visit the California Lottery website at calottery.com.
