Illinois Lottery Player Wins $1M on Scratch-Off Ticket

Rockford resident plans to share winnings with family and may buy new car

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:43pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Rockford-area man won a $1 million prize on an Illinois Lottery crossword scratch-off ticket. He purchased the winning $25 ticket at a local gas station and was in disbelief when he realized he had the top prize. The winner plans to share the money with family and is considering buying a new car.

Why it matters

Winning a million-dollar lottery prize is a life-changing event that can have a significant impact on the winner and their community. This story highlights the excitement and potential opportunities that come with a major lottery win, as well as the retailer's bonus for selling the winning ticket.

The details

The $1 million winning ticket was purchased at the Gas Depot located at 4900 W. State St. in Rockford. The anonymous winner said he had to 'do a double take' when he realized he had the top prize, and he almost had a 'panic attack' thinking he was seeing things. The winner plans to share a portion of the money with family and is considering buying a new vehicle, possibly a performance car.

  • The winning ticket was purchased and scratched on April 2, 2026.

The players

Rockford-area man

An anonymous Illinois resident who won the $1 million prize on a scratch-off lottery ticket.

Gas Depot

The Rockford gas station where the winning $1 million scratch-off ticket was purchased.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I had to do a double take—I simply couldn't believe it. I almost had a panic attack and thought I was seeing things.”

— Lottery winner

What’s next

The retailer, Gas Depot, will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the winning $1 million lottery ticket.

The takeaway

This story highlights the life-changing impact a million-dollar lottery win can have, as the anonymous winner plans to share the winnings with family and potentially purchase a new vehicle. It also demonstrates the excitement and disbelief that can come with realizing you've hit the jackpot on a scratch-off ticket.