Thomas Shellabarger’s family tradition of visiting the Orange County Fair and buying Scratchers at the CA Lottery LIVE! booth took a life-changing turn this year. The Sacramento man won a staggering $1 million in August after spending $10 on a Multiplier Craze Scratchers ticket.
“I always play the Lottery. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose,” Shellabarger shared. “This time, I won pretty good.” Initially mistaking his prize for $100,000, Shellabarger’s knees buckled when his wife pointed out the $1 million figure.
The ticket was purchased from Five Star Liquor, which earned a $5,000 retailer bonus. Shellabarger reflected on his luck, saying, “I honestly can’t believe I won the Lottery.” His story is a testament to persistence paying off unexpectedly.