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Two Modesto friends win largest scratcher ticket prize ever

Two friends were getting gas when they decided to split the cost of $30 California Lottery Scratcher ticket. Now they're $10 million richer. 
Gerald Lillard (left) and Ali Muthana (right) show off their winnings at the California Lottery’s Sacramento District Office.

Two friends were getting gas when they decided to split the cost of $30 California Lottery Scratcher ticket. Now they're $10 million richer. 

"I decided to scratch the ticket while I was waiting for my gas to fill up," Gerald Lillard said. "When I saw the dollar amount I thought I was reading it wrong. I thought it said I had won $10,000, but it ended up being $10 million!"

The two purchased the California Lottery's 30th Anniversary Scratcher at a local STOP n' SAVE Liquor and Groceries, located at 2549 Yosemite Boulevard in Modesto. 

"I was waiting for Gerald to fill up the gas, and then I saw his face got red," Ali Muthana said. "He told me he thinks we won $10 million. We verified the ticket inside the store and went straight home. I don't even think we closed the gas cap on the truck." 

Lillard and Muthana said they are both avid Lottery players.

This is Lillard's second win with a California Lottery 30th Anniversary Scratcher ticket. He said he's purchased four recently, winning $400 on his first ticket.  

With this big win, Lillard said he's going to buy his mother an RV that she can drive to the mountains. Lillard, who works as a carpenter, said he'll buy some vehicles for other family member too. 

"I also plan on buying a house I can remodel whenever I want," Lillard, who is a carpenter, told the California Lottery.

"I have a big family so I want to put my kids through college and maybe buy a new home," said Muthana, who works at a dollar store.

The store that sold the winning ticket is also a winner. It will receive a $50,000 retailer bonus, separate from the winner's prize.

 

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