A man, Ward Thomas, is reportedly suing the California Lottery Commission, after being denied the $5 million (AU$6,3 million) scratch card jackpot. They state the reason that they are withholding his winnings is because, he sent his 16-year-old son Ben, to buy the tickets at Los Altos Mobil convenience store. Due to his son being underage the Commission believes the scratchies to be purchased illegally which therefore brings into question his eligibility to receive the winnings.
Underage Scratch Card Purchases
The scratchies tickets for the jackpot were bought in October, to which the Lottery Commission validated the prize. However, it was in December when the Commission heard that it was not Thomas who bought the scratchies, but his son, and so they changed their mind about allowing Thomas to cash in on his winnings.
Apparently, Thomas sent his son in to go and collect $330 (AU$416) worth of scratchies, alongside asking him to buy more. Despite the law of California stating otherwise Ben, an under 18-year-old was served the scratchies.
Response to Being Denied Scratch Card Wins
Soon after the Commission decided to withhold his winnings, Thomas slapped back with legal action, not only against the Commission but against the Mobil station as well.
Case against the Mobil station
Thomas claims that at the time that the scratch cards were purchased at the Mobil station, the clerk working there did not ask Ben for proof of his age. In addition, Ben was also not informed that he could not buy scratch card tickets on his father’s behalf.
To add to his case, Thomas proves that there was no signage in the Mobil station that claims customers have to be over the age of 18 to purchase the scratchies.
Case against the Commission
His case against the commission is simple. He claims, how can agents of the commission be allowed to sell scratchies to his son, with having no intention of paying out any winnings.
In turn, Thomas is looking to get out $50,000 (AU$63,045), he states that this is for general damages as well as economic losses and breach of contract damages caused.
Investigation on the Scratch Card Case
Steve Meister, a legal analyst for CBS, has reported to the network that he feels Thomas’s case has very little chance at success. He claims that the state won’t change its mind, just because someone let his underaged son buy the scratchies.