An Illinois grandparent has won the state’s lottery jackpot, and they have some exciting plans for how they’ll spend the money, according to a news release from the Illinois State Lottery.
The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, began playing the lottery in January 2024. Though they’d experienced little luck in the past, they selected their “favorite” numbers when purchasing the winning ticket. Incredibly, all six numbers they picked—5–9–14–18–22–23—ended up matching those on the ticket they purchased. The total winnings amounted to a staggering $14.6 million. The gas station at which the ticket was purchased will also receive a $146,000 bonus—10 percent of the total winnings. Illinois lottery officials confirmed this is the largest single lottery win in the state so far in 2025. This year alone, a total of $47 million has been won by players of the game throughout the state.
“I checked the Illinois Lottery’s website to see who won—and realized it was me,” the lucky winner told lottery officials. “Of all of the people, it was me! I cried because I was too shocked.”
However, they weren’t so shocked that they couldn’t think of a way to use their significant winnings. Though the winner expressed a desire to spend a bit of the money on themselves, they said most of the jackpot will go towards supporting their family.
“I just want to take care of my family, get a nice house, and drive a Lexus,” they said. “Paris is on my list, too! I’m looking forward to sightseeing and taking it all in.” But, they added: “My granddaughters’ future is my priority, and I’m using this prize money to support their education and dreams.”
