CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) — A Chula Vista man’s recent visit to a gas station for a cup of coffee ended with him leaving the store with a ton of Benjamin Franklin bills in his pockets.
Nabi Hasani told a California Lottery representative that his instincts told him to buy a $10 “Perfect Gift” scratch-off ticket when he stopped at the Arco Ampm mini-mart at 407 E Street.
“It was just a random selection. I asked the cashier if it was true that I won,” Hasani said. “I went home, showed it to my children and asked them to confirm it.”
The scratch card consists of 20 panels, and players look for a bell and a number representing one million dollars to see if they have won a prize.
The moment when Hasani earned his million dollars came at a crucial moment: he had only three squares left to uncover when he threw the coin into box number 17.
“What a surprise!” he said. “Knowing that I’m helping schools and kids… It’s the best thing, really.”
According to a press release from the California Lottery, the lottery’s sole mission is to raise more money for public education. Every ticket sold, whether it wins or loses, contributes to the funding.
The mini-mart owner who sold the ticket will receive a bonus of $5,000.