Small Alton, Illinois Store Hides a Huge $1 Million Surprise

Isn't it funny how your life can change in a heartbeat? That just happened for a mystery person who walked into a tiny Alton, Illinois store this week and walked out a millionaire, but they don't seem to know it yet.

This is a convenience store located at 740 E Airline Drive in East Alton, Illinois

Last time I checked, there were barely more than 5,000 residents that call East Alton home. It's not what I consider a small town considering the fact that it's really a part of the greater St. Louis metro area if you're including civilization on the Illinois side of the river. However, tiny Alton just birthed an unexpected millionaire a few days ago, but that person seems unaware of their good fortune. The Illinois Lottery's Unclaimed Prizes page says someone picked up a Powerball ticket at this small Alton business on September 29, 2025 that is now worth a cool $1 million dollars.

The cynic might say "well, taxes will take most of those winnings since it's Illinois" and that's probably fair considering the tax reality in the Land of Lincoln. However, the take home would still be nearly three-quarters of a million dollars even after taxes. Wouldn't you be happy with that kind of a payday? I would and I'm guessing there's someone in Illinois or Missouri now with that ticket who will soon realize that their life has changed. Let's hope they realize that before this winning ticket is lost or damaged.