A lucky Illinois Lottery player has claimed a $1 million prize in Rockford, marking the third million-dollar win in the state this year.
The latest Illinois Lottery millionaire has stepped forward to claim their prize at the Rockford prize center, adding another chapter to the state's growing list of big winners. The fortunate player, who chose to remain anonymous, secured their windfall through a ticket purchased on the Illinois Lottery app.
'I've never been a big lottery player – in fact, I've never won anything big in my life – until now,' the winner shared in a statement released by the Illinois Lottery. The lucky ticket matched all six numbers in the April 3 Lotto Million 1 drawing: 1-11-16-21-26-44.
The winner's journey from casual player to millionaire was marked by disbelief. Initially assuming they had won back their $2 stake, the reality of the $1 million prize took time to sink in. 'It wasn't until I compared the winning numbers with those on my ticket that I realized I had actually won $1 million,' they explained.
Seeking confirmation, the winner sent a copy of the ticket to their father for verification. 'He's not a lottery player, but I have a feeling he might start playing now,' the winner mused. The news was then shared with a best friend, resulting in a flurry of celebratory emoji messages.
This latest win marks the third Illinois Lottery player to claim $1 million or more in 2025. Earlier wins include a Lotto Million 1 prize on February 17 and a substantial $10.4 million jackpot from a ticket purchased at a Des Plaines Mobil gas station on February 8.
Looking ahead, the winner has exciting plans for their newfound wealth. 'I'd love to treat my family to a nice vacation,' they revealed. 'My niece is especially fascinated by the history of Egypt, so I'm hoping to surprise everyone with a special trip there.'
As lottery enthusiasts across Illinois continue to try their luck, this latest win serves as a reminder of the life-changing potential of a simple ticket purchase. Whether through traditional retailers or the convenience of the lottery app, players are keeping their eyes on the prize, hoping to become the next headline-making winner in the Prairie State.
