Salinas player claims $2.7 million Mega Millions win before Las Vegas trip!

Drawing Date: 5/26/2015

May 27, 2015 - How about this for a start to a Las Vegas vacation – winning $2,702,648 before you even hit the road! That’s exactly what happened to Charles Messenger after he matched the numbers 72-52-69-39 and 1, missing only the Mega number 12 in last night’s Mega Millions drawing.

The computer administration employee says he picked up 20 $1 Quick Pick® tickets at one of his favorite lottery retailers on Sunday, Star Market, which is located at 1275 South Main Street in Salinas, Calif. (Monterey County).

“Last night was surreal when I checked the ticket. It’s like a whole new reality,” Messenger told the California Lottery. “My son said he refused to believe me when I told him. He kept saying I was messing with him.”

Messenger stopped by the California Lottery’s East Bay district office on his way to Las Vegas for vacation. “Now I can play at the $25 blackjack tables,” Messenger said jokingly. What can sometimes be a boring drive through the desert will now be much more enjoyable according to Messenger.

Before leaving for Las Vegas, the Messenger family arranged for a house sitter who was willing to stay at the home for free. Not anymore! “She now says she is willing to get paid for house sitting,” said Messenger.

As for his life with his newfound fortune, Messenger says he hasn’t decided what he plans to do with his winnings.