2 San Bernardino Residents Win $1M Each Playing Scratchers

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  —  California's newest millionaires -- both San Bernardino residents -- scratched their way to fortune.

Zara Casarez won a top prize on the $10 Taxes Paid game.

With this game, the California Lottery is covering the standard 25 percent of federal taxes withheld on wins of more than $5,000.

In Casarez's case, she technically won $1,333,334, but subtracting the 25 percent tax, she'll pocket $1 million.

She purchased the winner at Santa Fe Market (1150 West Base Line Street in San Bernardino) and the store owner will receive a bonus $6,666.67 (one-half of one percent of the top prize amount of $1,333,334) just for selling the winning ticket.

Meanwhile, Romeo Ramos on Thursday purchased an Emerald 10's scratcher that was worth $1 million, too.

Ramos purchased his winning ticket at Alameda Check Cashing (4501 Alameda Street in Los Angeles.) Ramos scratched the ticket right away, and when he realized he won, he almost lost it -- his composure, not the ticket.

"I couldn't believe it. I showed the clerk and she started screaming. It was crazy," Ramos said.

Ramos didn't waste any time getting to the California Lottery's district office. "I left right away to claim my prize," Ramos was at the California Lottery office a mere hour after he scratched his winning ticket.

"I've played other games and I think one time I won $50. This is just unbelievable," Ramos said.

Ramos, who manages a swap meet, already has plans for his money. "I want to pay off some bills and maybe open a business," he said.

For more information on these game and how to play, go to California Lottery.com.