Northern Illinois Father Claims $1 Million Top Prize On $50 Scratch-Off Ticket
Photo caption: An Illinois Lottery player celebrates after claiming a $1 million top prize on a $50 scratch-off ticket.
CHICAGO, November 10, 2026 – A quick stop at the store following a local sporting event ended on a winning note for a Northern Illinois father who won $1 million playing the Illinois Lottery.
The winner, who opted to remain anonymous, claimed the $1 million top prize on a $50 Millionaire Club Instant Ticket.
The winning ticket was purchased at Cub Foods, located at 1512 S. West Ave. in Freeport. For selling the winning ticket, the retailer will receive a $10,000 selling bonus, equal to one percent of the prize amount.
“My favorite team might have lost that game, but I came out a winner,” the lucky player said with a chuckle. “I’m still processing it all — I can’t believe it.”
His $1 million win came on his second time playing the $50 Millionaire Club game. He first purchased a $20 instant ticket using money he earned from house-sitting for his daughter while they were on vacation. After that, he decided to try the $50 game for the first time.
“I won $100 on that first try,” he recalled. “That initial win brought me back the next day to cash in my ticket. I decided to give it another shot, and that’s what ultimately led to this $1 million prize.”
Eager to share the exciting news, he turned to family and friends. His four children were quick to offer their support and encouragement.
“I have four kids, and when I offered them a portion of the prize, guess what they told me?” he shared. “They said, ‘No Dad, you’ve already taken great care of us. It’s time you did some things for yourself.’”
With his newfound winnings, the winner plans to purchase a new car and put money toward his retirement.
“We’re a sports family,” he said. “I’m excited to treat my kids to a private suite experience during game season.”
So far this year, nearly 50 million winning Instant Tickets have been sold, with players statewide claiming over $1.3 billion in prizes.
The Illinois Lottery currently offers a range of Instant Tickets priced from $1 to $50, available at approximately 7,000 retail locations across Illinois.
Instant Tickets b-roll, available for use by the media, download here.
The Illinois Lottery reminds players to play for fun, not funds. Be Smart, Play Smart®. Must be 18 or older to play. Game odds available at IllinoisLottery.com.
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About the Illinois Lottery
The Illinois Lottery, founded in 1974, has contributed over $25 billion to the State’s Common School Fund in support of K-12 public education in Illinois since 1985. The Common School Fund is the Illinois Lottery’s primary beneficiary, receiving nearly 99% of Illinois Lottery proceeds. The Illinois Lottery also supports various specialty causes as described in the Illinois Lottery Law (20 ILCS 1605/21.4). For more information about the Illinois Lottery and the causes we support, please visit IllinoisLottery.com.