A convenience store in Quincy, Illinois, is at the center of a town-wide guessing game as the identity of the winner of a $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot remains unknown.
The winning ticket was sold at the Hy-Vee Gas Fresh & Fast store. Jon Marshall, the store's manager, described the situation to Fox News Digital as akin to a "murder mystery" as curious residents visit the store, seeking to glean any information about the winner.
"We got a great buzz going on, and we’re enjoying the ride while we can," Marshall said. Customers have been purchasing tickets from the same machine that sold the winning ticket, hoping to replicate the luck.
The winning numbers for the Aug. 12 drawing were 4, 26, 66, 67, and 69, with a Powerball of 9. The odds of matching all five white balls and the Powerball are approximately 1 in 292.2 million.
Quincy, a city of about 39,000 residents located on the Mississippi River, is known for its historic feel and close-knit community. Marshall noted that many of his customers are regulars.
The winner has the option of receiving the $1.04 billion jackpot as an annuity, paid over 29 years, or as a one-time cash payment of $450.5 million before taxes. Under Illinois Lottery rules, the ticket holder has one year from the drawing date to claim the prize. Those opting for the lump-sum payment must make that decision within 60 days.
Lottery officials have advised the winner to sign the back of the ticket and keep it in a secure location. According to Illinois Lottery rules, individuals winning $250,000 or more can request that their name and municipality of residence be kept confidential. This provision means the winner's identity may never be publicly revealed.
The Hy-Vee Gas store will receive a $500,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. While the store has sold other winning tickets in the past, including large scratch-off prizes, this Powerball jackpot is by far the largest the location has ever sold.
Marshall expressed hope that the winner will consider contributing to the local community once the prize is claimed. "I hope they do well for the community. I hope they build up some organizations in town."