VAN NUYS (CBSLA.com) — After years of playing Scratchers, a Van Nuys family is celebrating Christmas with a lot more scratch.

Specifically, the Rios family of Van Nuys has $1 million in new holiday loot.

Francisco Rios told California Lottery officials that he’s been buying Scratchers for years. He recently switched from playing $5 to $10 tickets.

He purchased two tickets this past Sunday at 7 & 7 Liquor in Van Nuys. Both ended with the number 44. Rios and his family took that coincidence as a hopeful sign.

The family claimed their prize on Christmas Eve at the California Lottery office in Van Nuys.

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