Lottery player lands huge jackpot in California. ‘Thought I scratched it wrong’
Daniel Peramaki calls himself the “King of the $20 Scratchers,” but his latest win had even the veteran player doubting himself.
“I thought, ‘no way!’ I honestly thought I scratched it wrong,” Peramaki said in a Nov. 2 California Lottery news release. “I was in shock for probably the whole day. I didn’t sleep that night.”
Peramaki won the top $5 million jackpot on a Neon Cash Party ticket when he hit the winner after scratching off 24 losing spots, the lottery said.
Lottery player gives California scratch-off a try — and wins big. ‘What do you know?’
He bought the ticket at a liquor store in Anaheim, which will receive a $25,000 bonus.
Peramaki, who describes himself as “very superstitious,” has a few tricks when it comes to buying Scratchers, lottery officials said.
He tries to purchase the seventh, eighth or ninth tickets on newly opened packs of $20 Scratchers. Peramaki also refuses to scratch his new tickets right away.
“If I scratch them right away, it’s a loser,” he said. “I usually buy them, put them in my pocket, and wait. I didn’t scratch this one until midnight.”
The winning $5 million ticket also was the seventh from a fresh pack, lottery officials said.
Also in Anaheim, Raul Reyes Arreola won the top $20 million prize on a Set for Life Scratcher, lottery officials said.
Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.
If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
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