Illinois woman claims $536 million lottery prize, first Mega Millions jackpot claimed in 2026

Comment #8

KY Floyd — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:40:43 GMT

While the Illinois Lottery does not disclose the final post-tax amount for privacy reasons, Illinois Lottery Public Relations Director Jennifer Born advised Lottery Post, the initial federal withholding is 24% while the Illinois state withholding is 4.95%.

Bummer. Some people would need a calculator to figure out the initial cash payment. A few would even need somebody else to push the right keys.

Of course we never know the specifics of a winner's tax bill we do know that most of it wi... [ More ]

Comment #7

noise-gate — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 19:14:03 GMT

Nothing like being anonymous. The shades, the moves, the mystery

Comment #6

welington — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 16:57:31 GMT

Someone may recognize those fingers lol . Congratulations nice win

Comment #5

winterhug — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 10:10:20 GMT

All that money for one person. Most likely she will be sharing with her family, friends and charities. If it is looked at that way, the money will not be for just one person.

Comment #4

ShagE3 — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:38:18 GMT

You don't suppose JR from Dublin Ohio would share his five alarm chili recipe with Lucky Lady from Illinois? They are both lottery winners and all .... and midwesterners to boot .... you know what I mean?

You don't think JR LL have common ancestors do you?

Have a shaggy day!

ShagE3

Comment #3

dickblow — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:37:02 GMT

all that money for one person

Comment #2

JustMaybe — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:58:17 GMT

When Lucky Lady was about to purchase her Quick Pick ticket for the March 10 drawing, she reshuffled her numbers several times before deciding on a set that included her favorite number.

There is hope for all the QP players out there, there is still some hope

Congratulations on the win and may the Vegas trip earn you more winnings

Comment #1

mypiemaster — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:04:41 GMT

Lucky Lady sure got some serious cash money. Congrats Lucky Lady

Illinois woman claims $536 million lottery prize, first Mega Millions jackpot claimed in 2026

Lottery Post — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:03:24 GMT

Illinois lottery winners take the top two spots for online wins

By Kate Northrop

The Illinois Lottery announced on Wednesday that one Illinois woman claimed a $536 million Mega Millions jackpot this week, the first Mega Millions jackpot claimed in 2026.

The lone winner to lay sole claim to a $536 million Mega Millions jackpot has stepped forward to take home the cash.

She chose to claim the prize under the pseudonym Lucky Lady to hide her identity, rather fitting for the circumst... [ More ]