An Illinois player has secured a historic win in the Powerball, with the player claiming the eye-watering and life-altering $1.04-billion prize from the lottery.
This is the second-largest jackpot to have ever been won in the Prarier State, and it is considered a huge achievement for the state’s lottery culture, with yet another big-time winner.
Illinois player(s) Secures Second-largest Lottery Jackpot in State History
The Illinois Lottery has hurried to reveal details about the happy event, with the lottery confirming that the ticket had been purchased at Hy-Vee Gas at 10 N. 36th St. in Quincy, Illinois.
The player, whoever they are, has secured the top prize on August 12, 2026, with the numbers 4, 26, 66, 67, and 69, as well as a Powerball 9. The venue that sold the ticket also has something to look forward to – the customary fee for selling the winning ticket.
Given the size of the prize, this now amounts to $500,000, a truly formidable amount and life-altering in its own right. Naturally, winning the billion-dollar jackpot has triggered effusive outpourings.
Harold Mays, director of the Illinois Lottery, had much to add: “This is an exciting day for Illinois. We’re thrilled for the winner and the retailer that sold the winning ticket. Beyond celebrating this incredible win, every Powerball ticket purchased during this jackpot run also helped generate funding for Illinois public schools, demonstrating how the Lottery continues to benefit communities across the state.”
Jackpot Culture Is Strong in Illinois
The jackpot appears sizeable, but there are a few caveats to keep in mind. For example, the prize can be claimed either as a lump sum of about $643.7 million before taxes or as an annuity of $882 million.
Most people opt for the lump sum option, which will come down to $489.2 million after all customary withholdings are applied.
Previously, a $1.33-billion jackpot was won in July 2022 by a partnership in Des Plaines. The sum was secured on Mega Millions, the other major lottery prize draw game.
With two of the nation’s largest-ever jackpots now claimed by Illinois residents, the state has firmly cemented its reputation as one of the luckiest places in the country to play the lottery.