Illinois Lottery Player Hits $2 Million Jackpot on $20 Scratch-Off
A Chicagoland woman is celebrating a $2 million Illinois Lottery win after a quick decision to scratch a ticket at her neighborhood store paid off in a huge way.
Known by the nickname “Lady Luck,” the anonymous winner bought a $20 Maximum Multiplier instant ticket at ZJ’s Pantry Plus Liquors in Des Plaines. She scratched it right there in the store—and couldn’t believe what she saw.
“I was flabbergasted when I saw so many zeros,” she said. To make sure it was real, she scanned the ticket and even had her brothers check it again.
The win is especially exciting because Lady Luck had previously won $10,000, but this was her first-ever top prize.
“I couldn’t believe I won, especially from a store I frequent.”
What Lady Luck Plans to Do With the Money
The winner said she hopes to put the prize toward:
- 🏠 A new house
- ✈️ A vacation to New York City
The $2 million prize can be claimed as $100,000 annual payments for 20 years or as a one-time cash option of $1.2 million.
Where Was the Winning Ticket Sold?
The lucky $20 ticket was purchased at ZJ’s Pantry Plus Liquors, 699 N. Wolf Road, Des Plaines.
The retailer is also getting a nice payday. The store will receive a $20,000 bonus, equal to 1% of the winning prize, for selling the ticket.
What Are the Odds of Winning?
The Maximum Multiplier game has overall odds of about 1 in 3.85 for winning any prize.
But landing the $2 million top prize is much tougher, with odds of approximately 1 in 1,438,780.
For Lady Luck, one $20 ticket turned into a life-changing win.
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