DES PLAINES (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A single, winning ticket in the $1.337 billion Mega Millions lottery drawing was bought in Des Plaines Friday night.
Illinois Lottery announced the winning ticket was sold at a Speedway gas station on Touhy Avenue.
The person, or persons, beat the odds of 1-in-302 million to net the largest jackpot ever won in Illinois, and the second-largest in the United States.
"We have not heard from the winner yet," said Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays. "We don't know whether or not they're aware they've won this incredible prize. So, we're telling all of our players: Check your tickets."
The prize reached historic levels after more than two dozen drawings took place with no big winner. Strong ticket sales continued as the growing jackpot made headlines.
Another ticket that matched five numbers, but missed the mega ball, was sold at a convenience store in Berkeley — the owner of that ticket won $1 million.
Seven others each won $10,000 Friday night.
The owner of the Speedway gas station in Des Plaines will get $500,000.
In a statement, the Illinois Lottery said it “encourages the winner to sign the back of the ticket, seek professional and legal advice, then make an appointment with the Illinois Lottery to claim their prize.”
The winner will have 12 months from the date of the draw to claim their prize, but they only have 60 days from the date of the draw to decide whether they'd like their winnings in one lump sum or annual payments.
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