Lottery winner who was homeless scoops $1.4m prize pool after a ‘tough’ day at work

A man who admitted to being homeless at one point has won a staggering lottery prize after a bad day at work.

The Colorado State Lottery pool had hit $US1 million ($1.4 million) when the man known only as Johnathan G decided to try his luck with a scratchie ticket.

Mr G. who chose not to provide his full name, spent $US20 to purchase the ticket at a Walmart store in Alamosa, according to reports from the lottery office.

After what he described as “a rough day at work” the mobile phone sales representative though he would try and turn his luck around.

“I was having a tough sales day and it actually paid off,” Johnathan said.

“My reaction was total disbelief.”

Jonathan added he usually only spends $US5 on lottery tickets occasionally, but for some reason he was drawn to splash out and buy the $US20 version People are reporting.

“Something in my head said, ‘Hey, why not try for that $20 one? What’s the worst that could happen?’ ” he said.

“It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

After mentioning he had previously spent time without a fixed address, the instant millionaire said the win will be life-changing.

“I definitely plan on giving my girlfriend and kids a life that I never thought was possible,” Johnathan said.

“A little hope and perseverance and a gift of luck are going to give us a life we have been working very hard to have.”

Jonathan won playing the 200X Scratch game with lottery officials confirming players have about a one in three chance of winning some money on a ticket purchased.

The majority of players win back their initial $20 with punters standing a one in 1,080,000 chance of winning the $1 million jackpot according to the Colorado Lottery.