The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to an estimated $680 million, placing it among the highest jackpots in the game’s history. As excitement builds nationwide, residents of California are feeling particularly optimistic given the state’s impressive track record of lottery wins.
California is home to the three largest Powerball jackpots ever won, all claimed by lucky residents, and just this week, the Village Spirit Shoppe in Westlake Village announced its third multimillionaire, according to the California Lottery. With the Mega Millions drawing fast approaching, many are wondering if luck will shine on the state’s famous lotto retailers once again.
Among the notable locations is Joe’s Service Center in Altadena, celebrated for selling the biggest Powerball ticket to date, worth an astounding $2.04 billion in 2022. Edwin Castro purchased the life-changing ticket, opting for a lump-sum payout. In the wake of his win, the store’s sales spiked significantly, benefiting proprietor Joseph Chahayed, who received a $1 million bonus for selling the ticket.
Bluebird Liquor in Hawthorne holds a reputation as the luckiest lottery outlet in Los Angeles County, having sold four tickets worth over $1 million since 2013. Locals believe that rubbing lottery tickets against a songbird figurine in the store enhances their chances of winning. Historically, from 1985 to 1993, Bluebird Liquor generated nearly $20 million in state lottery winnings.
Midway Market & Liquors in Kern County is another success story, having sold the second-largest Powerball ticket totaling $1.765 billion in early 2023. Co-owner Nidal Khalil expressed his joy, indicating plans to allocate his $1 million bonus to fund his children’s college education.
The Village Spirit Shoppe recently gained recognition after selling a $50 million Super Lotto Plus ticket, adding to its legacy as a provider of significant winnings. Owner Mimi Shon noted that her family plans to celebrate the latest win with a well-deserved vacation.
Las Palmitas Mini Market, situated in a low-income neighborhood near Skid Row, made headlines this year after selling a jackpot-winning Powerball ticket worth $1.04 billion. The store’s owner, Maria Menjivar, has embraced the success, encouraging a communal spirit with giveaways for customers.
The Chevron station in Encino also featured in the lottery spotlight when two tickets sold at the same location simultaneously hit a $395 million jackpot. Faramarz Lahijani claimed one ticket, while the second went unclaimed, creating a legal dispute over ownership rights for the lost ticket.
With so many lucky locations contributing to California’s lottery success, players across the state are filled with hope and excitement as they anticipate a chance at life-changing wins this Friday. As the drawing nears, anticipation grows, and the dream of hitting the jackpot persists, fueled by stories of past winners and the belief in luck’s favor.