Southern Illinois man wins $1 million in scratch off lottery game

Posted on September 18, 2024

*So far, this month, the lottery said, instant tickets have resulted in $63.7 million in prize money. (Facebook/Illinois Lottery)*

CHICAGO – A Southern Illinois man won $1 million from an Illinois Lottery instant ticket, according to the agency that runs the game.

The winning ticket, $10 Million, was purchased at Circle K gas station and convenience store, located at 1710 S. 10th Street in Mount Vernon, said the Illinois Lottery in a news release.

“My girlfriend scratched the ticket and kept on staring at it and saying, ‘This can’t be right, this can’t be right’ – so I took a look and then ended up saying the same thing,” laughed the winner, who has requested to remain anonymous. “Once it sank in that we had won $1 million, we were both dumbfounded and happy at the same time – a moment we will never forget.”

The man told lottery officials he planned to use the money to “fulfill our dream and buy a new house, give a little love to my family and hopefully retire a little earlier.”

Under the rules that govern the lottery, the gas station will also get paid, getting $10,000 or 1% of the winnings, according to the agency’s news release.

So far, this month, the lottery said, instant tickets have resulted in $63.7 million in prize money.

The Illinois Lottery reminds players to play for fun, not funds. Be Smart, Play Smart^®. Must be 18 or older to play. Game odds available at IllinoisLottery.com.

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