A Quick Pick becomes $1 billion: $2 changes everything
By Kate Northrop
CHICAGO, Ill. — The Illinois Lottery has confirmed the handoff of a billion-dollar Powerball jackpot to one, lone winner.
The wait is over — the winner of the $1.04 billion Powerball lottery jackpot from Illinois has come forward to claim their prize.
While Illinois state law allows lottery winners of $250,000 prizes and more to claim their winnings anonymously, they shared with Lottery officials what it was like to claim the second-largest lottery prize ever won in the state.
"I initially didn't believe I had won, so I called a family member to confirm it," the winner told the Lottery. "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."
It was a single ticket sold at a gas station in Quincy, Illinois that ended the jackpot run on the night of Aug. 12, earning the jackpot the number 15 spot in the rankings of the largest lottery jackpots ever awarded in the United States and the number 8 spot for the largest jackpots in Powerball history.
"I chose a Quick Pick and spent just $2 on a single line of Powerball numbers," the winner added in a press release. "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."
Prior to making the claim, the anonymous winner spent the past several weeks preparing to take on the multi-generational influx of wealth with legal professionals and financial advisors.
"After eight years of processing lottery claims, I've had the chance to meet many winners, but a $1 billion jackpot is truly extraordinary," Lottery Chicago Prize Center Manager Amanda Crosas, who assisted the winner's legal representatives, said of the prize claim. "It was exciting to finally see this historic prize claimed after nearly a month of anticipation. We're pleased to have been part of the process and to have helped make this moment a reality."
Rather than take the annuity option, the winner chose the lump sum payment of $450.5 million. The winner would have received net roughly $261.5 million after federal and state taxes, according to USA Mega's Powerball Jackpot Analysis. Illinois withholds 4.95% in state tax on lottery prizes.
"You could feel the excitement in the room — we all had a little extra bounce in our steps that day," Crosas added. "I can only imagine what this moment must feel like for the winner and the people closest to them. Congratulations to the winner on this life-changing prize and the opportunities that lie ahead."
Winners in Illinois have 12 months from the draw date to claim prizes, however this Powerball winner had to claim within 60 days of the draw in order to elect the lump sum payment option.
"The Illinois Lottery is thrilled to officially welcome this historic winner," Lottery Director Harold Mays said in a statement. "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. 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."
For selling the jackpot-winning ticket, the Hy-Vee & Fresh on North 36th Street in Quincy received a $500,000 bonus from the Lottery.
This jackpot run began on May 4 after one ticket in Indiana and one ticket in Kansas split a $143.4 million prize on April 29. Just in Illinois alone, players purchased more than $53.8 million in Powerball tickets, which generated $26 million for public education in the state, the Lottery said.
According to the Lottery, Illinois players bought more than 965,000 winning Powerball tickets and collected nearly $8 million in non-jackpot prizes. Retailers earned $2.5 million in commissions and bonuses during the jackpot run as well.
The next Powerball annuity jackpot estimate for the drawing on Wednesday, Sept. 16 currently stands at $271 million.
Powerball is currently offered for sale in 45 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Tickets cost $2 each.
Powerball lottery results are published within minutes of the drawing at USA Mega (www.usamega.com). The USA Mega website provides lottery players in-depth information about the United States' two biggest multi-state lottery games, Mega Millions and Powerball.
* Wow, this calls for a celebration!
Quick pick......Interesting.
This is so fascinating. Gas stations are high traffic areas so they had to be there at that precise time. Anything could have happened to delay their journey. Sometimes I leave out, realize I forgot something and have to go back.
I'm curious if that was their regular gas station or if it was a random gas station stop. I'm curious if they went to the gas station just for the ticket or for other stuff because that would change everything as well. If they had actually gotten gas first using a card at the pump then went inside for the ticket they'd have gotten a different ticket. Or if they went directly inside but decided to pick up some snacks first they'd have gotten a different ticket. Did they just go right in and join the line just to get the ticket? Or what if they wanted gas as well but ordered 10 on 6 before getting the ticket. Or asked for the ticket then 10 on 6. I'm curious if when they went inside, if there were people in front of them also buying PB tickets? And what if there was a PB player right behind them? Knowing all this info would make this story even cooler. It's so interesting how the universe works.
It's inspiring that it was just one QP that won a billion. Many players buy so many tickets especially when the jackpot gets mammoth; but this goes to show that if it's meant for you it will be for you.
I like how they said they didn't believe they were actually gonna win because the odds are so insane you never really believe you're gonna win; but you definitely won't win without a ticket. I buy PB tickets not realistically thinking about the jackpot but for the lower tier prizes and there is also the double play option.
am happy they are able to remain anonymous
hope they put all that loot to good use
"I initially didn't believe I had won, so I called a family member to confirm it," the winner told the Lottery.
Well, well, well, and that dear friends is how every Tom, Dick and Harry ended up knowing who the winner is.
Hoping that the family member doesn't get to excited and can't keep the news to themselves.
Congratulations 🎉 on the massive win.
May the winner find joy in the days and years ahead.
They can remain anonymous UNTIL...
Illinois law says the confidentiality provision does not override the Lottery's obligation to disclose your name and municipality if disclosure is required under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The wording on the lottery claim form:
Having won $250,000 or greater, I hereby request that the Illinois Lottery keep my name and municipality of residence confidential under Illinois Lottery Law, 20 ILCS 1605/9 (k). I understand that this will not prevent disclosure of my information if requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA ). Initials ___________
Todd the site update looks amazing. Congrats to the winner
Congrats to the winner!!
And Congrats to the Hy-Vee & Fresh!!
Hope the employees there get a nice bonus.
I played 2 bucks got nothing such a ripoff when jackpot gets high one winner!