Lottery Player Cried After Winning Millions. How They Plan on Spending Prize

An Illinois resident just won a jackpot worth $14.6 million — and they have big plans for their winnings.

The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, purchased 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.

The winner explained that they’ve been playing the Illinois-only game since January 2024 and that this time around, they picked their “favorite” numbers.

The ticket wound up matching all six numbers — 5-9-14-18-22-23 — resulting in a $14.6 million prize. But the winner didn’t realize their luck until the following morning. 

“I checked the Illinois Lottery’s website to see who won—and realized it was me,” they told lottery officials. “Of all of the people, it was me! I cried because I was too shocked.”

After claiming the prize, the new millionaire dropped some hints on how they plan to spend their windfall.

“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 taking it all in.” 

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 receive a $146,000 bonus.

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This is the largest prize won through the Illinois Lotto game in 2025, according to lottery officials. More than $47 million in prizes has been taken home by winners this year.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, please contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or go to gamtalk.org.