by San Bernardino, CA – Four California Lottery Scratchers players are celebrating major wins this year, collectively claiming $24 million in prizes, lottery officials announced Friday. The milestone comes during the Lottery’s 40th anniversary, which marks four decades of supplemental funding for public schools across California.
Big Wins Across the State
The winners hail from Fullerton, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, and Waterford, each claiming life-changing prizes from various Scratchers games.
Two players each scored $2 million playing Instant Prize Crossword Scratchers:
- Carlos Herrera, not to be confused with the KTLA reporter of the same name, purchased his ticket at Fullerton Wine & Spirit on South Harbor Boulevard.
- Bruno Chavez bought his winning ticket at a 7-Eleven on North Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino, claiming his $2 million top prize.
In Riverside County, Wendy Benitez of Moreno Valley won $5 million playing a Cash King Scratchers ticket purchased at Moreno Liquor on Sunnymead Boulevard.
The largest prize went to Gary Cooksey, who won $15 million from the commemorative 40 Years of Play! Scratchers game. The winning ticket was sold at an AM-PM in Waterford, Stanislaus County.
40 Years of Funding for California Schools
Lottery officials emphasized that these big wins represent just a portion of the impact the California Lottery has had over the past four decades. Since its launch, the Lottery has directed billions of dollars toward public schools, funding classroom resources, technology upgrades, and career training programs for students from kindergarten through college.
Every Lottery ticket sold contributes to education statewide, reinforcing the Lottery’s mission to support local communities while offering life-changing prizes to players.
Tracking the Lottery’s Impact
The California Lottery provides an interactive map on its website, allowing residents to see how funds are distributed to local school districts. In addition, audited financial reports and videos highlight how schools utilize Lottery funding to enhance learning opportunities for students.
Officials say that while winning big is thrilling for individual players, the broader benefit of the Lottery continues to touch millions of students throughout California.
Celebrating the Winners
These four winners are among the most recent examples of California residents who have transformed their lives with Scratchers tickets. Lottery officials encourage players to play responsibly while celebrating the exciting milestone year for the Lottery.
What would you do if you won millions on a Scratchers ticket? Comment below to share your dream prize plans, favorite Scratchers games, or how you’d use winnings to support your community or local schools.
