Seven Californians crack the crossword code and win millions

What does $24 million look like? Seven scratch-off players just found out. Each one filled in the grid, matched the letters, and scratched their way to a top prize. These huge lottery wins came from two California Lottery Scratchers games: Instant Prize Crossword and Crossword Xtreme. Together, they paid out $24 million.

How do you win $2 million on a $20 ticket?

Instant Prize Crossword costs $20. The ticket holds two puzzles. Players use the "Your Letters" box to complete words across both grids. More completed words mean bigger prizes. Each puzzle plays separately.

The top prize is $2 million. Five players claimed it:

• Arbi Amirian at Foothill Gas Mart in La Crescenta.
• Christopher Gomez at Circle 7 Liquor Store in Visalia.
• Darla Huddleston at Save Mart in Lathrop.
• Maria Garcia Ruiz at 7 Eleven in Stockton.
• Lilian Romero at The Liquor Center in North Hollywood.

Notice the spread. Los Angeles County. The Central Valley. Two winning retailers sit in the Stockton and Lathrop area, only minutes apart. Is that a pattern? Most likely not. Scratchers are random. But it’s pretty cool to watch.

What makes Crossword Xtreme different?

Crossword Xtreme adds layers. The ticket has three puzzles. It also includes bonus words and multipliers. Players hunt for extra prizes on top of the base grid.

The top prize is $7 million. Two players won it:

• Juan Lopez at Chevron in Chula Vista.
• Ramon Yepez at 7 Eleven in Bakersfield.

One win came from the Southern California border. The other came from the southern Central Valley. Same game. Same result. Two very different corners of the state.

Why does a puzzle game carry so much weight?

Crosswords reward patience. You scan the letters. You test the words. You watch the grid fill in. Scratchers turn that habit into a game with real stakes. Could that be part of the appeal? Perhaps puzzle fans like the slow build to the reveal.

Where does the money go?

Every play supports California's public schools. Lottery funds reach classrooms from elementary school to community college. The money is supplemental. It adds to existing budgets rather than replacing them.

Local leaders decide where it goes. Administrators, teachers, and students identify needs. Funds then support programs such as career technical education. They also pay for science lab equipment, upgraded technology, and career readiness programs.

Enjoy the California Lottery, and please play responsibly.