'I was in shock': New Mexico couple finds genie lamp, gets three wishes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico couple was granted three wishes worth more than $1 million in total after finding a genie lamp while treasure hunting in Texas.

A company called Treasure Games launched the contest in January. Treasure hunters paid a subscription fee to get clues to where the genie lamp might be hidden.

"If you find the lamp, you can get $1 million in cash or three wishes worth $1.2 million," said Dirk Gibson, founder of Treasure Games. 

It took winners Ron Novak and Michelle Bush roughly two months and three trips to Dallas to find the lamp. They made the connection that a key clue was tied to a Seinfeld episode.

"The initial moment, I was in shock," said Novak.   

The couple had stayed an extra day from their planned trip since they said they felt close to finding it, and it paid off.

They ultimately chose three wishes worth $1.2 million. One wish was a charitable donation to a group that Novak said helped him when he was homeless. 

"For me, it was the biggest gift to be able to give them money for this because I used to be a taker. I just took, and I needed help and wanted help," he said.  

Along with the donation to Hare Krishna Food for Life Group, the couple also bought the Southwest Motel in grants that they're working to fix up. 

Finally, they also bought a Sprinter van so they won't be crammed with four dogs in their old Subaru on future treasure hunts. 

"We bought the van for the dogs. That's an internal joke," said Bush.

Inspired by their journey, the couple said they hope to start their own treasure hunt game. 

"It will start at $5,000 at least," said Novak.  

"Yeah, and it will be a lot easier than this one -- meant to be solved within a weekend or a week," Bush added.  

The company behind the genie bottle hunt said their next $1 million contest begins in June.