Illinois Gas Station Sells $1.04B Powerball Ticket, Winner Remains Anonymous

Key points

• The winning numbers were 4, 26, 66, 67, and 69, with Powerball number 9.
• The ticket was purchased at a Hy-Vee Gas Fresh & Fast store in Quincy, Illinois.
• The winner has not been identified as of late Thursday; the store manager was notified at 3 a.m. by a colleague.
• The prize is the eighth-largest in Powerball history and the largest won this year.
• The jackpot resets to $20 million for the next drawing on Saturday, August 15.

Background

The jackpot had grown since May 2, when the last top prize was won. Ticket sales expanded to the United Kingdom in July, potentially increasing jackpot sizes. The record Powerball prize remains $2.04 billion, won in California in 2022.

How outlets are covering it

KSL News and The Washington Post confirm the basic facts of the win and the prize structure. Fox News adds human interest, noting the store manager’s shock and the local buzz, while emphasizing the winner’s anonymity. The Detroit News highlights that two Michigan tickets won $50,000 each, and notes the Power Play multiplier was 2. All outlets agree the winner has not come forward, but Fox News stresses the mystery aspect, while KSL focuses on the logistical details of the claim process.

Why it matters

The win ends a long streak without a jackpot winner and underscores the potential for life-changing prizes in multi-state lotteries. The anonymity of the winner and the local impact on Quincy highlight the social and economic ripple effects of large lottery wins.

What to watch

The winner has one year to claim the prize, but must choose the lump-sum option within 60 days. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, with the jackpot reset to $20 million.