A Million Almost in the Trash: How a Random Lottery Ticket Nearly Ended Up in the Bin

A Family Tradition Worth a Million

Joaquin Vaughn Redo was traveling through California with his family when they stopped at a Pavilions supermarket in Newport Beach. Alongside groceries, he grabbed a Mega Millions ticket – a routine the family had developed: whenever the jackpot goes up, they buy “just in case.”

“When the pot grows, the whole family gets excited and chips in,” he told the California Lottery.

But this casual habit, almost treated as a joke, nearly cost them a million-dollar prize.

Traditional lotteries like Mega Millions and Powerball remain popular, especially in the U.S. However, for over two decades, instant lotteries and other gambling games available online – both in browsers and apps – have been drawing more and more attention.

A Lottery Ticket on the Brink of the Trash

Two weeks passed. The ticket, forgotten at home, was about to be tossed out along with wrappers and receipts. Joaquin admitted:

“I was going to throw them away – I thought, ‘I never win anyway.’”

But curiosity won out. He checked the numbers from the August 16, 2024 drawing. Five out of six numbers matched. Only the additional number – the Mega Ball – was off. Still, that was enough to win $1 million.

Table: Mega Millions Prize Structure (Before Taxes)

* Prize amounts may vary depending on state rules and draw conditions.

Lottery Fever in California: A Wave of Luck

Vaughn Redo’s win wasn’t a one-off. Over a few weeks, the California Lottery registered at least five other major wins:

• Jose Baltazar Campos won on a scratcher ticket bought in Bellflower
• Jnel Erskine hit a prize in Huntington Beach with a ticket from 7-Eleven
• Royer Villatoro Lopez scored a win in Rowland Heights
• Additional winners in San Diego and Santa Clara each added $1 million to their bank accounts

In total, over $6 million in prizes were awarded during this period. These wins benefit not only individuals but also the public sector.

Where Lottery Money Goes

Revenue from lottery ticket sales in California is distributed as follows:

• Around 95% goes back to players as prizes
• The remaining funds are used to support public education programs

So even losing tickets contribute to schools, colleges, and student development.

“Every ticket is a chance for a student,” the official California Lottery website reminds.

Unexpected Lessons from a Simple Story

This forgotten ticket story shows how even small, spontaneous actions can lead to significant returns. However, there are a few takeaways worth remembering:

• Don’t throw away tickets before checking them. Even if you doubt a win – always confirm.
• Track the draw date. Tickets usually expire within 180 days.
• Play responsibly. Frequent impulse purchases can lead to tilt. But rare, calculated plays might pay off.
• Don’t ignore the “less popular” formats. Many major wins come from scratchers bought on a whim, not televised drawings.

Conclusion

Joaquin Vaughn Redo’s story is a perfect example of how a routine habit can become capital, and how a forgotten slip of paper can turn into the key to a home. The lottery remains one of the rare opportunities where millions can fall from the sky – but only if you don’t throw your chance away.

Source: KTLA