A Stockton shopper has turned a quick stop at a March Lane grocery store into a $1 million payday, according to state lottery officials. The life-changing top prize came on a San Francisco 49ers Scratchers ticket and adds to a recent streak of big Scratchers hits across California.
The California Lottery told KCRA that the winning ticket was sold to Ravindar Singh at the March Lane Food 4 Less in Stockton. The agency says this is one of several million-dollar Game Day Scratchers prizes claimed in recent weeks. a December top-prize ticket was also sold at the Food 4 Less at 255 E. March Lane, marking the store as a hot spot for high-dollar wins.
Game Day Scratchers tie teams to instant wins
The Game Day Scratchers series was launched in partnership with the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams and offers top prizes up to $1,000,000, according to the California Lottery. The promotion also included a 2nd Chance bonus with team experiences and game tickets on the line for players holding non-winning Scratchers.
Retailer bonus and local impact
Retailers that sell top-prize Scratchers typically get a financial pat on the back too. Past reports show stores receiving roughly $5,000 for selling a $1 million Scratchers, a payment some owners say they roll right back into their business, per The Press Democrat. Lottery proceeds also support public education, with recent audits and releases noting that the California Lottery has contributed tens of billions of dollars to schools since it began, according to Public Gaming.
How winners claim their prize
Winners are urged to sign the back of their ticket immediately and follow California Lottery claiming procedures. Prizes of $599 or less can be cashed at retailers, while larger amounts must be claimed at Lottery district offices or by mail, the California Lottery explains. Scratchers prizes have a deadline too: they must be postmarked or received by Lottery offices within 180 days of the announced end-of-game date, so winners are encouraged not to wait around before starting the claim process.
