A man from Stanislaus County has won $15 million by playing the 40 Years of Play! Scratchers game, according to California State Lottery officials. The winner, Gary Cooksey, purchased his ticket at an ampm store located at 12725 Yosemite Blvd. in Waterford. Waterford is about 13 miles east of Modesto.
The announcement was made by lottery officials on Friday, Dec. 12. They noted that other significant winners have recently emerged in different parts of California as well.
“Big winners represent only a portion of the incredible stories that have shaped the California lottery over the past 40 years,” lottery officials stated in their release.
The lottery is marking its 40th anniversary this year and highlighted its ongoing role in providing supplemental funding for public schools across the state.
Other recent large Scratchers wins include Carlos Herrera, who won $2 million with an Instant Prize Crossword Scratchers ticket bought at Fullerton Wine & Spirit in Fullerton; Bruno Chavez, who also won $2 million with an Instant Prize Crossword Scratchers ticket from a 7-Eleven in San Bernardino; and Wendy Benitez, who claimed $5 million after buying a Cash King Scratchers ticket at Moreno Liquor in Moreno Valley.
“From a stellar $15 million win with the commemorative 40 Years of Play game to the extra fun winning $2 million with the fan-favorite play of a crossword Scratchers, these players took home the big prize,” said lottery officials.
