Homeless Man Strikes It Rich with $1 Million Win on Scratch Ticket
A homeless man in San Luis Obispo has captured the hearts of many after winning $1 million from a California Lottery scratch ticket. For Armando Vidal, this unexpected fortune represents a second chance at life and hope for a brighter future. On the evening of April 6, Vidal entered Sandy’s Liquor store with just $25 in his pocket. He decided to buy two Triple Red 777 scratch tickets priced at $10 each, along with a few smaller tickets. Despite the long odds of winning the top prize — approximately 1 in 2 million — Vidal took a chance, not knowing that his life was about to change dramatically.
Vidal first scratched one ticket at the store and won $200, which the cashier handed to him immediately. However, he didn’t scratch the second Triple Red 777 ticket until the next morning when he returned to the store. Wilson Samaan, the store manager, was there again to witness the moment. When Vidal revealed the ticket, he said, “Oh my God, come take a look at this. Is that true?” Samaan scanned the ticket, and the machine confirmed that Vidal had won the jackpot — $1 million.
Both men were stunned and shared a high-five in disbelief. At first, Vidal thought he had won $100,000, but Samaan pointed out another zero on the printout, revealing the full million-dollar prize. For Vidal, it was a life-changing moment. Sandy’s Liquor celebrated Vidal’s win with a post on Instagram, congratulating their loyal customer on his big jackpot.
Though Vidal has been homeless for years, he is a familiar and respected figure in San Luis Obispo. Over time, he developed a friendship with Wilson Samaan, who once even offered him a job at the store. Vidal declined because of a chronic knee condition but earned Samaan’s trust enough to watch the store on occasion.
Samaan described Vidal as “a good, trustworthy person,” expressing joy that someone deserving had won such a prize. After learning about the jackpot, Vidal considered mailing the ticket to the California Lottery office, but Samaan insisted on driving him to Fresno to ensure the ticket was safely submitted.
Another local business owner, Adam Kemp, shared Vidal’s story on social media, highlighting how Vidal and his wife had been living on the streets for a long time. Kemp posted a video of Vidal holding the winning ticket and expressed happiness for the couple’s new opportunity. Vidal told Samaan he plans to use the money to buy a small home and a car — dreams he and his wife have long wished for. He also hopes to invest the rest of the money or start a business, determined not to waste this second chance.
For Vidal, the win means more than financial security. It represents dignity, hope, and the possibility of a fresh start. California’s ongoing housing crisis has left many struggling to find stable homes. Vidal’s story serves as a reminder that even in difficult circumstances, life can take unexpected turns for the better.
As the community celebrates his win, Vidal stands as proof that one good day can truly change everything. If this story inspires you, consider sharing it — you never know who might need to hear that it’s never too late for a new beginning.
A homeless man in San Luis Obispo has captured the hearts of many after winning $1 million from a California Lottery scratch ticket. For Armando Vidal, this unexpected fortune represents a second chance at life and hope for a brighter future. On the evening of April 6, Vidal entered Sandy’s Liquor store with just $25 in his pocket. He decided to buy two Triple Red 777 scratch tickets priced at $10 each, along with a few smaller tickets. Despite the long odds of winning the top prize — approximately 1 in 2 million — Vidal took a chance, not knowing that his life was about to change dramatically.
Vidal first scratched one ticket at the store and won $200, which the cashier handed to him immediately. However, he didn’t scratch the second Triple Red 777 ticket until the next morning when he returned to the store. Wilson Samaan, the store manager, was there again to witness the moment. When Vidal revealed the ticket, he said, “Oh my God, come take a look at this. Is that true?” Samaan scanned the ticket, and the machine confirmed that Vidal had won the jackpot — $1 million.
Both men were stunned and shared a high-five in disbelief. At first, Vidal thought he had won $100,000, but Samaan pointed out another zero on the printout, revealing the full million-dollar prize. For Vidal, it was a life-changing moment. Sandy’s Liquor celebrated Vidal’s win with a post on Instagram, congratulating their loyal customer on his big jackpot.
Though Vidal has been homeless for years, he is a familiar and respected figure in San Luis Obispo. Over time, he developed a friendship with Wilson Samaan, who once even offered him a job at the store. Vidal declined because of a chronic knee condition but earned Samaan’s trust enough to watch the store on occasion.
Samaan described Vidal as “a good, trustworthy person,” expressing joy that someone deserving had won such a prize. After learning about the jackpot, Vidal considered mailing the ticket to the California Lottery office, but Samaan insisted on driving him to Fresno to ensure the ticket was safely submitted.
Another local business owner, Adam Kemp, shared Vidal’s story on social media, highlighting how Vidal and his wife had been living on the streets for a long time. Kemp posted a video of Vidal holding the winning ticket and expressed happiness for the couple’s new opportunity. Vidal told Samaan he plans to use the money to buy a small home and a car — dreams he and his wife have long wished for. He also hopes to invest the rest of the money or start a business, determined not to waste this second chance.
For Vidal, the win means more than financial security. It represents dignity, hope, and the possibility of a fresh start. California’s ongoing housing crisis has left many struggling to find stable homes. Vidal’s story serves as a reminder that even in difficult circumstances, life can take unexpected turns for the better.
As the community celebrates his win, Vidal stands as proof that one good day can truly change everything. If this story inspires you, consider sharing it — you never know who might need to hear that it’s never too late for a new beginning.
