Desert Hot Springs Man Claims $7 Million Lotto Jackpot

PALM SPRINGS -A part-time security guard from Desert Hot Springs today claimed a $7 million SuperLotto Plus jackpot, according to the California Lottery.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said John Estrada, who decided to buy a ticket on Saturday at the Chevron service station at 22600 Palm Drive in North Palm Springs. “I called my wife in and told her, `We won the big one.”‘

Estrada said that his wife was in disbelief.

“She says, `Well, how much did we get? 100 bucks?’ I said, `Well, we got a little more than that,”‘ the 65-year-old man said.

Estrada, who describes himself as “semi-retired,” said he and his wife would like to retire and spend more time together.

“We’re going to squeeze every nickel and dime out of it,” said Estrada, who moved to Desert Hot Springs from Los Angeles about four years ago.

Estrada said he used to work for Los Angeles County as a driver, who took documents to the Hall of Records on Temple Street.

He said that he has seven children and 16 grandchildren, with whom he will be able to spend more time.

The winning numbers were 8, 19, 20, 21, 41 and mega number 3.

The odds of matching all five numbers and the Mega number is 41,416,353 to 1, according to the SuperLotto Plus Web site.

California Lottery officials reminded the public that borrowing money to play the lottery, spending above a person’s budget or using money intended for other purposes can ultimately lead to significant problems for players and their families.

People with gambling problems or knowing individuals with gambling problems are advised to call the Problem Gambling Help Line, (800) Gambler.