What began as a routine trip to the car wash turned into a life-changing moment for a Chicago father of five, who recently claimed a $1 million Powerball prize after purchasing a ticket on a whim.
The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, told Illinois Lottery officials that he decided to buy a ticket from a new location simply because he “wanted to play for the most money.” That spontaneous decision led to matching all five numbers in the August 9 Powerball drawing — 7, 14, 23, 24, and 60 — earning him a $1 million prize, plus an additional $4 for matching the Powerball.
“When I checked the numbers, I knew right away,” the winner said. “I felt a wave of relief. My wife didn’t believe me at first, but once it sank in, she said, ‘We’re going to Disney World!’”
The family, claiming the prize under the group name “Malongo,” visited the Illinois Lottery Headquarters to receive their $1,000,004 winnings and posed for a celebratory photo with their oversized check.
In addition to the dream vacation now officially on the itinerary, the couple plans to use the winnings to invest in their children’s education and ease financial pressures. “A few years from now, we hope we’re all less stressed and just happy,” the winner added.
The Exxon Mobil station that sold the winning ticket will also receive a $10,000 bonus — 1% of the prize amount — as part of the Illinois Lottery’s retailer incentive program.
About the Illinois Lottery
The Illinois Lottery was launched in 1974 and has contributed billions to public education and good causes since its inception. With games like Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch-offs, the Lottery continues to create winners across the state while supporting vital community programs.
Can You Play Online Lottery Games In The United States?
Yes, participating in online lottery games is legal in many parts of the United States; however, the specifics depend heavily on your location. Each state has its own set of regulations governing lottery play, including whether residents can purchase tickets or play instant win games online.
Legal online lottery sites have been accepting US players since the early 2000s and offer numerous scratchcards, as well as weekly Powerball and Mega Millions drawings.