Locals Win ‘$5M Jackpot' Scratchers Prize

Two San Diego residents just won $5 million playing a brand-new lottery Scratchers game, becoming the first California players to cash in on the game's hefty prize.

According to California Lottery officials, local friends and co-workers Lody Aquino and David Dawood purchased a winning “$5 Million Jackpot” Scratcher ticket at an Arco AM/PM store located at 450 West El Norte Parkway in Escondido.

They each put $10 towards the new $20 game ticket and came out millionaires.

The California Lottery office says Aquino, who’s an avid lottery player, was the one who actually scratched the ticket. When he saw it was a winner, he screamed and quickly called Dawood over to take a second look.

“I ran over to Lody and snatched the ticket out of his hand to double-check,” Dawood told California Lottery officials.

The lucky duo is thrilled and already have plans to spend their $2.5 million share of the prize money.

Dawood said he plans to buy a home and maybe start a business, while Aquino said he wants to pay off his debt, buy a house and then maybe buy a nice, sensible car.

“But nothing fancy," he said. "Maybe just an Acura."

The Escondido convenience store where the winning Scratcher was sold will receive a bonus of $25,000, according to lottery officials.

The “$5 Million Jackpot” scratcher first went on sale on Sept. 25 at locations throughout California. It’s been flying off the shelves ever since, surpassing sales expectations. Lotto officials say the game offers players an opportunity to walk away with the largest lump sum cash prize ever paid out by a Scratchers game.

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