All news

Million dollar surprise! Illinois family honors wife with lottery ticket

Numbers and fate lead to a million-dollar win for family.

The Illinois Lottery logo on a storefront.
Samantha Herscher

An Illinois family recently discovered a heartwarming way to win big on the lottery. Their story combines the thrill of chance with a touching tribute to a loved one, proving that sometimes, the greatest wins go beyond just money.

Numbers steeped in sentiment

The winning ticket, purchased for the May 20th Lotto drawing at a BP gas station in Wadsworth, wasn't your typical lottery pick. This family plays together, and their chosen numbers hold a special significance.

The daughter explained:

Our family likes to play the same numbers in various lottery games from time to time. The numbers are very near and dear to our hearts. Since our mom passed away, we include numbers related to her that hold significant meaning for all of us.

The winning ticket matched all six numbers, securing the family a life-changing $1 million jackpot. The news came as a delightful surprise, even causing a playful misunderstanding between father and daughter.

The daughter continued:

I actually saw a news story that a ticket was won nearby. So when my dad called me that night and said “I have big news - guess what?” I rained on his parade when I said “We won a million dollars?” He hadn't seen the article yet.

This double dose of surprise – first, learning of the win, then realizing the extent of it – added another layer of joy to the occasion.

Celebrating a legacy and looking ahead

The family, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their excitement, particularly the father. This win not only brought financial security but also served as a poignant reminder of their loved one.

“Everyone is really excited, but nobody is more excited than my dad!” the daughter said. This win became a way to celebrate their mother's memory in a unique and unforgettable way.

With the win secured, the family can't help but think about the future possibilities. The daughter shared their lighthearted take on the lottery:

My dad is convinced we will win one of those huge Mega Millions or Powerball jackpots next. We play for fun! It's fun to think about who we'd share our prize money with, what causes we'd donate to, what we'd splurge on. There's no harm in dreaming… but it's even more fun when it becomes a reality.

About the Illinois Lottery

This story serves as a reminder that the Illinois Lottery can bring more than just financial rewards. It can be a way to connect with loved ones, create lasting memories, and celebrate life's special moments.

Could you be next? Try your luck with the Illinois Lottery and see if your lucky numbers bring you a dream come true, filled with both financial security and a chance to honor those special to you.

Related games

Comments

0
Loading comments

Related articles

GetGo #7535, located at 1051 N. Green St. in Brownsburg, Indiana.
Winning weekend delivers millions in jackpots across five states

From a record Fast Play hit to an $8.2M Lotto score, multiple jackpots fell in just days. Did one land near you?

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold

Richard Hopper Sr with his $1,000,000 Michigan Lottery check.
Wrong ticket, right numbers: Lottery mistakes that paid off big

These lottery players' mistakes led them to massive jackpots.

Alex Cramer profile pic

Alex Cramer

A "Now playing" sign with a posted for the "How to win the Lottery" Netflix series.
This Mexican lottery heist was so wild that Netflix had to dramatize it

The true story behind Netflix's “How to Win the Lottery” heist.

Halley Bondy profile pic

Halley Bondy

John Spiby Sr.'s mugshot next to a photograph of drugs found during a raid of the drug operation he was a part of.
Have you heard about the 80-year-old lottery winner who ran a drug ring?

The case involved fake pills, firearms, shell businesses, and a country property hiding in plain sight.

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold

Recent articles

View All
Louisiana Lottery CEO, Rose Hudson.
Featured
Exclusive interview
How Louisiana runs one of America's leanest lottery operations

In this exclusive interview with Lottery USA, Rose Hudson shares the formula for maximum education dollars.

Samantha Herscher profile pic

Samantha Herscher

A line of lottery players at a retailer in Italy.
Lottery growth goes digital: $346B expected worldwide in 2026

Convenient mobile play and interactive draws are drawing younger audiences worldwide.

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold

The South Carolina Lottery Enforcement Division logo over a white background.
Another delivery lottery crime in South Carolina is plaguing authorities

A FedEx worker allegedly stole a winning scratch-off from a package in South Carolina.

Halley Bondy profile pic

Halley Bondy

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, during an Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee meeting on Friday, November 21, 2025.
As mobile betting soars, New York eyes science behind gambling addiction

One Assembly chair wants SUNY researchers digging into how apps, alerts, and 24/7 access affect players.

Todd Betzold profile pic

Todd Betzold