An Illinois resident just won a huge jackpot worth $14.6 million — and they already have plans for their winnings.
The winner, who chose to stay anonymous, bought the winning ticket for the Aug. 25 drawing at the Crown Mart on East Broadway in East Saint Louis, according to a news release from Illinois Lottery officials.
They said they have been playing the Illinois-only game since January 2024 and this time chose their “favorite” numbers.
The ticket matched all six numbers — 5-9-14-18-22-23 — earning the $14.6 million prize. But the winner didn’t realize they had won until the next morning.
“I checked the Illinois Lottery’s website to see who won—and realized it was me,” they told lottery officials. “Of all the people, it was me! I cried because I was too shocked.”
After claiming the prize, the new millionaire shared how they plan to use the money.
“I just want to take care of my family, get a nice house, and drive a Lexus,” they explained. “Paris is on my list too! I’m looking forward to sightseeing and enjoying it all.”
The winner added, “My granddaughters’ future is my priority, and I’m using this prize money to support their education and dreams.”
Meanwhile, the Crown Mart that sold the winning ticket will get a $146,000 bonus.
This is the largest prize won through the Illinois Lotto game in 2025, according to lottery officials. So far this year, winners have taken home more than $47 million in prizes.
