Mystery Millionaire Emerges at Tiny Illinois Gas Station

Someone stopped at a tiny Illinois gas station a few days ago and made an impulse decision that changed their life forever. Now, they are a millionaire, but their identity remains a mystery.

This is 7314 Randolph Street in Forest Park, Illinois

According to the Illinois Lottery, a mystery someone stopped by this tiny gas station on February 4, 2026 and picked up a Powerball ticket that is now worth a cool $1 million dollars. Their name remains unknown as they are now listed on the Illinois Lottery Unclaimed Prizes site.

What would the take home amount be for a $1 million dollar Powerball win in Illinois?

According to an online lottery tax calculator, the tax hit would be big especially in Illinois. It estimates that the amount you'd walk away with after state and federal taxes would be between $650K and $700K. Still, I don't know many people that would turn that kind of money down.

How long does this mystery winner have to claim this $1 million dollar Illinois Lottery prize?

Illinois allows lottery winners one full year to come forward and be identified as a winner. If no one presents the winning ticket within one year, the prize money immediately goes into their Common School Fund.