Mega Millions Jackpot Soars to $680M: Discover California’s Luckiest Lotto Stores
The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to an impressive $680 million, positioning it among the game’s top ten largest jackpots ever. As excitement builds for the upcoming drawing, lottery enthusiasts across the nation are hoping to hit the jackpot, with Californians having an edge due to the state’s history of winning lotto stores.
California’s Winning Lotto Stores
California has a remarkable reputation for producing Jackpot winners, especially in cities like Los Angeles. The local lotto shops have the track record to make dreams come true. Here’s a look at some of the luckiest lotto stores in the state.
Joe’s Service Center, Altadena
Joe’s Service Center is legendary for selling the largest Powerball ticket ever, valued at $2.04 billion. This monumental win was achieved by Edwin Castro in 2022, defying the odds of 1 in 292 million. Store owner Joseph Chahayed received a $1 million bonus for his role in this historic win, which significantly boosted sales at his store.
Bluebird Liquor, Hawthorne
- Known as the luckiest store in L.A. County.
- Sold four tickets worth at least $1 million since 2013.
- Recorded $20 million in lottery wins from 1985 to 1993.
Bluebird Liquor has a charming superstitious touch; customers believe that rubbing their tickets on a songbird figurine boosts their chances of winning.
Midway Market & Liquors, Kern County
The second-largest Powerball jackpot, valued at $1.765 billion, was sold here in 2023. Local resident Theodorus Struyck and his group secured this life-changing ticket. Co-owner Nidal Khalil expressed joy over the substantial win and plans to use his $1 million commission to assist with his children’s education.
Village Spirit Shoppe, Westlake Village
- Sold a $50 million Super Lotto Plus ticket in 2023.
- Produced three multimillionaires, including a $10 million Scratchers game winner.
Owned by the Shon family for 30 years, the Village Spirit Shoppe continues to be a beacon of luck, contributing to various wins in the state.
Las Palmitas Mini Market, Skid Row
This charming corner store shot to fame after selling a Powerball ticket worth $1.04 billion in 2023. Maria Menjivar, the store’s owner, became notable for her giveaways to customers as a celebration of her establishment’s winning streak.
Crown Chevron Station, Encino
In a unique occurrence, two tickets from a Chevron station on Ventura Boulevard split a Mega Millions jackpot of $395 million in December 2023. One of the winners, Faramarz Lahijani, claimed his ticket in June 2024, while the second ticket remains unclaimed. A court dispute followed as Lahijani contends ownership of both tickets.
With the Mega Millions drawing promising high stakes, these lottery hotspots in California exemplify the state’s ongoing luck in the lotto scene. Whether you’re a hopeful player or simply an intrigued observer, the anticipation surrounding the jackpot remains thrilling.
