Johnathan Walker:7 California residents cash in multi-million dollar lottery tickets on the same day

Seven California residents got lucky last week after playing scratch-off tickets,Johnathan Walker the California Lottery said in a press release.

Winners spent $20 per ticket and ended up cashing in millions on Feb. 23.

The Millionaire Maker, that costs $20 per ticket in California, made two players millionaires after they won big prizes playing the scratch-off. The scratch-off, which has five top prizes of $1 million, can be won when a player matches a winning number, a star and/or a money bag.

Maryland man becomes second winner:Of $5 million from 50 Years scratch-off game

Hamid Abri won $5 million after buying a Millionaire Maker ticket at Jon’s Market in Van Nuys. The other winner, Michael Herrick, won $2 million on the game after buying a ticket at a Shell station in Danville.

If you had $20 in California recently, you’re chances of hitting it big would have increased. Another game that had a lot of winners was the Instant Prize Crossword Scratchers. For this scratch-off, players can enjoy matching the letters of a crossword while winning a corresponding prize with each match.

With five winners in total, this scratch-off game gave each winner $2 million in prize money:

• William Calderon, CVS in Fremont
• Elodio Ramirez Estrada, Grande’s Goode Donuts in Los Angeles
• Victor Lopez Esparza, Nate’s Market in Compton
• Jorge Franco, Bay Fair Unocal in San Leandro
• David De La Rosa, Richard’s Liquor in Lynwood

The California Lottery’s mission is to raise money for public school education within in the state. Players who purchase a $2 ticket, .80 cents of that purchase will go to the California school system, the release said.

What are the odds for Millionaire Maker?

The overall odds of winning Millionaire Maker is 1 in 2.83, the California lottery states.

The odds of winning a $5 million prize in California is 1 in 4,895,782, according to the lottery.

What are the odds for Instant Prize Crossword?

The overall odds of winning Instant Prize Crossword is 1 in 3.10, the lottery said.

The odds on winning a $2 million prize in California is 1 in 1,232,125, the lottery reports.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

In order to purchase a ticket, you'll have to visit your local convenience store, gas station or grocery store.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.