The Illinois Lottery confirmed on September 15 that a single $2 Quick Pick ticket purchased before the August 12 drawing won a $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot. The anonymous winner chose the cash lump-sum of about $450.5 million, which is subject to a 24% federal withholding and a 4.95% Illinois state tax, plus any additional federal taxes. The ticket was sold at Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh in Quincy, Illinois, which received a $500,000 retailer bonus. Winning numbers: 4, 26, 66, 67, 69 and Powerball 9; odds were 1 in 292,201,338.
$2 Quick Pick Wins $1.04B Powerball Jackpot — Winner Claims $450.5M Cash Lump Sum
Powerball player wins $1 billion from $2 ticket with historic jackpot prize
An anonymous Illinois player has come forward to claim a staggering $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot after purchasing a $2 Quick Pick ticket, the Illinois Lottery confirmed on September 15. The ticket matched the numbers drawn on August 12, making it the sole winner and the eighth-largest prize in Powerball history.
Emotional Reaction
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, described a roller-coaster of emotions. "I initially didn't believe I had won, so I called a family member to confirm it," they said. "Even after claiming the prize, I'm still processing the news — from disbelief and shock to overwhelming elation."
Cash Option and Taxes
The claimant elected the cash lump-sum rather than the full annuitized payout. The lump-sum value is about $450.5 million. That amount is subject to an automatic 24% federal withholding; additional federal taxes may apply depending on the winner's final tax liability, and Illinois imposes a 4.95% state tax. The actual amount the winner receives after all federal and state taxes will be substantially lower than the headline figure.
An Illinois Powerball winner has claimed a $1.04 billion prize, opting for the lump-sum offer of over $450 million (Getty)
Where the Ticket Was Bought
The winning ticket was purchased before the August 12 drawing at the Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh convenience store in Quincy, Illinois. The retailer received a $500,000 bonus for selling the jackpot-winning ticket.
Winning Numbers and Odds
The numbers on the ticket were 4, 26, 66, 67 and 69, with a red Powerball of 9. According to Powerball, the odds of winning the grand prize are 1 in 292,201,338.
"I never could have imagined that a $2 purchase would lead to a $1.04 billion jackpot," the winner said. "This is truly a blessing, and I'm incredibly grateful for this unexpected and extraordinary opportunity."
This improbable win is a reminder of both the life-changing potential of lottery jackpots and the significant tax considerations that come with claiming such a prize.
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