'Still In Shock': Family Wins $12 Million On Lottery Scratch-Off At Jewel-Osco

NILES, IL — Two brothers who thought better of spending their money on lottery tickets will still get some of a eight-figure payout after a $12 million winning lottery ticket was recently sold at a local grocery store.

Though the winning family has chosen to stay anonymous to the public, they spoke with lottery officials, who last week released their remarks.

“It feels like it was fate,” the purchaser of the winning ticket said. “I was actually about to purchase a different ticket when I noticed the 20 Years of Cash ticket number matched my birthday, so I decided to try that one. Boy, am I glad I did. I immediately called my son and squealed, ‘I think I won big!’ Next thing I know, he’s yelling at his fiancée to get out of the bathroom so they could come over to see the ticket."

According to lottery officials, the "20 Years of Cash" $20 ticket was launched in February 2020. Now, more than four years later, the recently sold Niles ticket means its final top prize is off the table. The $12 million top prize — $50,000 a month for 20 years — can be paid with 20 annual payments of $600,000 or as a one-time, $7.2 million cash payment in lieu.

“My sons don’t play the lottery and they love to give me a hard time when I buy my tickets occasionally, so I’d always joke with them saying, ‘When I win, I won’t give you any!’" said the ticket-buyer told Illinois Lottery staff.

“I don’t need a lot of things, that’s something I’ve always said and believed. I just want time with my family," they said. "As I get older, the memories and time together is even more important for me."

The winner told lottery staff they plan to split the payout with their two sons and intend to start by splurging on a vacation with their whole family.

“I wasn’t going to believe it until I saw it with my own eyes, so we had to rush over. I wanted to read the rules, double check the numbers, and make sure it was, in fact, a winning ticket," thje son said. "It’s safe to say, while we’re all still in shock, we feel like one very lucky family.”

The Illinois Lottery is now run by Switzerland-based investment group whose operations in the state have, since last year, been branded as Allwyn North America.