Illinois Lottery: Illinois man claims $37.5 million Lotto jackpot
Eric J. Wagner, co-owner of Wagner Hunting and Fishing, Freeport, is a little — make that a lot — richer after winning $37.5 million Monday in the Illinois Lottery.
Wagner's father, William, said his son learned at about 9:30 a.m. Monday he had the winning ticket. Wagner was not available for comment this morning.
"He's going to take the rest of his life off," William Wagner joked.
William Wagner said he didn't know what plans his son had for the money but probably intended to "spend it."
The winning Lotto ticket was sold at Horizon Super Market, 1130 S. Galena Ave., Freeport. Store owner George Khoury said this morning this is the first time his store has sold a winning lottery ticket and he was surprised when he heard the news. His store will receive 1 percent, or $375,000, of the winning ticket pay out.
A spokesman for the Illinois Lottery wouldn't release the winner's name until after an affidavit is signed. He said the winner has up to one year to file for the claim.