Current:Home > InvestIllinois man wins $3 million scratch-off game, runs into 7-Eleven to hug store owner -Wealth Evolution Experts
Illinois man wins $3 million scratch-off game, runs into 7-Eleven to hug store owner
View
Date:2025-04-14 11:09:34
An Illinois man who realized he had won $3 million after scratching off a lottery ticket in a 7-Eleven parking lot promptly went back into the store to do something very important: hug the owner.
The Illinois Lottery says that the winner, who would like to remain anonymous, recently bought a 200X Payout Instant Ticket at the 7-Eleven in Mount Prospect, just northwest of Chicago.
A regular customer at the convenience store, the man did what he usually does after buying a ticket, heading out to his truck and scratching it off. He told the Lottery that he just had to go back in the store and hug the owner.
"The owner, his wife, and his son are very nice people," he told the Lottery. "The owner said to his wife recently, 'That guy is going to win someday! He always comes in, sits in his truck, and scratches his tickets – and he's always so happy. He's definitely going to win.'"
The man's wife was the second person to find out that they're now millionaires.
"When I got home, I left the winning ticket on the kitchen table for my wife to find," he told the Lottery. "She said, 'Are you messing with me? Is this real?' For years, she's joked with me, 'Can't you just win the lottery already?' Well, we did! And just in time for retirement."
The man claimed his lottery prize on Jan. 26 and plans to take his wife to Hawaii with the winnings, according to the Lottery.
"We've been planning our retirement for a while now and winning the lottery helps us to be more comfortable with the decision," the winner told the Lottery. "We're already planning to move near our daughter and son-in-law so that we can be closer to our new grandson."
What is 200X Payout?
Illinois 200X payout is an Illinois-exclusive instant game where players can win up to $3 million. The game was launched on Nov. 17, 2023, with over $77 million in total prizes.
What are the odds of winning 200X Payout?
The chance of winning the $30 game is one in 2.78.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-981-0023 (PR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms.
veryGood! (27466)
Related
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- North Dakota voters will decide whether 81 is too old to serve in Congress
- Trump campaigns for GOP Senate candidate Bernie Moreno in Ohio
- Cara Delevingne's LA home, featured in Architectural Digest tour, consumed by 'heavy' fire
- Kehlani Responds to Hurtful Accusation She’s in a Cult
- Kristen Doute Reveals Her Honest Opinion on Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright's Breakup
- US to investigate Texas fatal crash that may have involved Ford partially automated driving system
- Host, radio station apologize for 'offensive' quip about South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso
- The Daily Money: Disney+ wants your dollars
- Man, woman arrested in connection to dead baby found in Florida trash bin
Ranking
- Daughter of Utah death row inmate navigates complicated dance of grief and healing before execution
- 22 artifacts looted after the Battle of Okinawa returned to Japan
- Identity of massive $1.765 billion Powerball jackpot winners revealed in California
- These Chic Michael Kors Handbags Are All Under $100 – Add Them to Your Cart Before They Sell Out
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Judge asked to dismiss claims against police over killing of mentally ill woman armed with shotgun
- What to know about judge’s ruling allowing Fani Willis to stay on Trump’s Georgia election case
- McDonald's experiences tech outages worldwide, impacting some restaurants
Recommendation
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Riley Gaines among more than a dozen college athletes suing NCAA over transgender policies
Prosecutors say New York subway shooting may have been self defense
Nate Oats' extension with Alabama will make him one of college basketball's highest-paid coaches
IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
Long recovery ahead for some in path of deadly tornados in central U.S.
Host, radio station apologize for 'offensive' quip about South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso
Eva Mendes Thanks Ryan Gosling For “Holding Down the Fort” While She Conquers Milan Fashion Week