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Formerly Homeless Californian Wins $1 Million in State Lottery and Prepares to Rebuild His Life

The winner now plans to secure stable housing with dogs, investing his winnings for the future

Overview

  • State rules required Vidal to claim prizes over $600,000 in person, prompting him to travel to the California Lottery office in Fresno to validate and collect his $1 million award.
  • He purchased two Triple Red 777 scratch-off tickets at Sandy’s Deli & Liquor in San Luis Obispo, with one revealing the jackpot in April.
  • Retail manager Wilson Samaan escorted Vidal from the store to the lottery office, guiding him through the claim process and offering support.
  • A video shared by Thrifty Beaches on Instagram in April brought Vidal’s win to national attention, but he has since maintained a low public profile.
  • Vidal became homeless in 2008 after a debilitating injury cost him his job and home, living without shelter until his recent windfall.