CHICAGO – An Illinois Lottery player has claimed a $14.6 million Lotto jackpot, the largest prize awarded in the state this year.

What we know:

The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, matched all six numbers — 5, 9, 14, 18, 22 and 23 — in the Aug. 25 drawing.

The winning ticket was purchased at Crown Mart, located at 306 E. Broadway in East St. Louis. The retailer will receive a $146,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

What they’re saying:

“I checked the Illinois Lottery’s website to see who won—and realized it was me. Of all of the people, it was me! I cried because I was too shocked,” the winner said.

The winner said the prize money will go toward family needs, a new home, a Lexus and travel to Paris.

“My granddaughters’ future is my priority and I’m using this prize money to support their education and dreams,” the winner said.

By the numbers:

According to the Illinois Lottery, this year’s jackpot surpasses the previous high of $10.4 million awarded in February. So far in 2025, more than 4.8 million winning Lotto tickets have earned players over $47 million in prizes statewide.