Gallop Liquor

My dad asked my to make a quick run into the liquor store to grab him a «Nguoi Viet» newspaper ($.25) and I feel like I discovered a whole new world!
When I usually go to a liquor store, I’m probably looking to buy a drink, maybe candy, or some chips… I think that’s pretty normal… But not here!
There were over a dozen of chairs set up and a bunch of Vietnamese adults in their later years AND A WALL OF LOTTERY SCRATCHER! Wow! I could feel the intensity in the air as they yell to the cashier for more and more scratchers! Wheel of Fortune, Poker, Crosswords, Super 7s, Piggy Bank, California Lucky Life, etc… in different values $ 1, $ 2, $ 3, $ 5, $ 10, or $ 20.
Some sat and scratched, some stood and scratched… I was more surprised that they didn’t buy snacks or drinks to enjoy with their crazy hobby/​addiction. No Jk!
So yeah… If you’re too lazy to go to Las Vegas or an Indian casino nearly… I think this is the next best thing… Good luck and please don’t develop an addiction!

In the Vietnamese/​Asian community, «liquor» stores are more known for their lottery sales than actual liquor.
When I walked into this store — nearly the front half of the store had several tables, chairs and a lot of older Asian men sitting around staring at a few TVs broadcasting «Hotspot» (Keno) results. There were several CA Lottery scratcher vending machines as well.
The two front registers had lotto stuff all over them and behind them was yet another wall of scratchers.
I stopped by to get a drink since Banh Mi Che Cali next door had a massive line — and was surprised to say that there were more lottery scratchers here than actual drinks. I talked to the cashier about the prominence of lotto sales at the store and he told me that they were one of the top-​selling lotto vendors in California.
I guess if you’re feeling lucky (and can brave the parking lot) — get your ticket here!