A man from California, who is apparently homeless, has just won a $1 million scratch-off ticket which he bought at his regular liquor shop. The man from San Luis Obispo thought he had won $100,000 - but the store manager informed him that it was a whopping $1 million - talk about a lucky break!

A homeless man's life changed overnight after he scratched off a $1 million prize on a lottery ticket purchased at a local deli and liquor store in San Luis Obispo.

A reversal of fortune

The unnamed man, reportedly a regular at Sandy's Deli-Liquor on Broad Street, bought a Red 777 Scratchers ticket last week and uncovered a fortune he never imagined. Wilson Samaan, the store manager, described the emotional moment to local media, saying the man initially thought he had only won $100,000.

He came to the store, scratched it right there and said, "Oh, my God. Is that real?" stated Samaan. The man asked him to check it, so he took the ticket to the machine and confirmed it - the man had hit the jackpot. He was shocked. He thought it was $100K, and Samaan had to tell him, "No, bro. That's a million dollars. Congrats, brother!" The two exchanged a high five, celebrating the incredible stroke of luck that marked the largest lottery win in the store's history. "He's a good guy," Samaan continued. "He deserved every penny of it."

The life-changing winnings

The moment has since gone viral on social media, thanks in part to Adam Kemp, a local business owner who captured the winner's joy in a video posted on Instagram. Kemp, who runs the vintage shop Thrifty Beaches, recorded himself talking with the man, who appeared to be in his 40s and wore a blue hoodie and baseball cap.

"My friend here just won $1 million in the lottery in SLO," Kemp said in the video, which showed the winner proudly holding a printout of his winning ticket. "I won $1 million here in SLO at Sandy's Liquor store," the man confirmed. "I just can't wait to get off the streets." Kemp added in the caption that both the man and his wife had been experiencing homelessness for a long time.

Access to the prize money

The sudden windfall offers a long-awaited opportunity for stability. Despite the euphoria, the man won't have immediate access to his winnings. According to Caroline Becker, California Lottery spokesperson, the process of validating and releasing such a large prize can take a few months.

"With a million-dollar ticket like this, the person who comes forward can expect a very thorough vetting process," explained Becker. "We want to ensure the right person receives the prize. It's a significant amount of money, and we take those steps seriously." The winner has reportedly shared plans to use the money wisely: making a down payment on a house, purchasing a car, and saving the rest.

His story has struck a chord with locals, who are thrilled to see someone in need receive such life-changing news. "It's like when good things happen to good people," Samaan said. In a city often grappling with homelessness, the story has sparked conversation, inspiration, and no small amount of celebration.

A sign now hangs at Sandy's Deli-Liquor announcing the million-dollar win - a testament to a bit of luck, a lot of hope, and the potential for brighter days ahead. As for the winner, the wait for the check may take some time, but his outlook is already different. He's no longer just another face on the street. He's the man who beat the odds - and now, he's dreaming big.