Illinois Lottery Player Claims Historic $1.04 Billion Powerball Jackpot
A single $2 ticket purchased in Quincy yielded the state's second-largest lottery prize.
An anonymous Illinois lottery player has claimed the $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot, the state lottery announced Tuesday. The winning ticket, purchased for $2 at a Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience store in Quincy, matched all six numbers in the Aug. 12 drawing.
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, submitted their claim on Tuesday, just over a month after the drawing. The winning numbers were 4, 26, 66, 67, 69, and the Powerball 9.
The player opted for the one-time cash sum payout, which amounts to $450.5 million before taxes. After the initial 24% federal withholding, the prize is reduced to $342.4 million. An additional 13% federal tax will bring the amount down to $283.8 million, and the state of Illinois will withhold an additional 4.95% for taxes.
"I chose a Quick Pick and spent just $2 on a single line of Powerball numbers," the winner said in a statement released by the lottery. "I never could have imagined that a $2 purchase would lead to a $1.04 billion jackpot. This is truly a blessing, and I’m incredibly grateful for this unexpected and extraordinary opportunity."
The winner described experiencing a range of emotions, from disbelief to elation, after confirming the win. "I initially didn’t believe I had won, so I called a family member to confirm it," they said. "Even after claiming the prize, I’m still processing the news and experiencing the full range of emotions that come with winning a billion-dollar jackpot — from disbelief and shock to overwhelming elation."
The $1.04 billion jackpot was the largest Powerball prize of the year and the eighth largest in the game's history. The Hy-Vee store that sold the winning ticket received a $500,000 bonus.
Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays expressed excitement about the claim. "A jackpot of this magnitude is an extraordinary event, and we’re excited to see the second-largest lottery prize ever won in Illinois officially claimed," Mays said. "It’s exciting to see such a significant Powerball win come to an Illinois player, and we’re pleased to celebrate this milestone with them."