A single Powerball ticket purchased at a Quincy, Illinois, gas station emerged this Wednesday as the winner of a staggering $1.04 billion jackpot. This marks the largest lottery prize ever given in the state and ranks as the eighth-largest in the history of the game, according to the Associated Press.
The lucky ticket was bought at the Hy-Vee Gas station located at 310 North 36th Street in Quincy, a city in western Illinois bordering Missouri. The winning numbers drawn on Wednesday were 4, 26, 66, 67, 69, with the Powerball number being 9.
The jackpot had been accumulating over 44 consecutive drawings without a major winner. This streak began on May 2, 2026, following a previous jackpot shared by two tickets sold in Florida and Texas.
Since then, the prize pool continued to swell, reaching approximately $633 million by the end of July and climbing to $856 million after the August 5th drawing.
The identity of the winner remains undisclosed. Illinois rules allow the winner to stay anonymous and they have up to a year from the date of the drawing to claim the prize.
Before taxes, the winner can opt for one of two payout options: an annuitized payment of $1.04 billion distributed over 30 installments across 29 years, or a lump sum cash payment of about $450.5 million.
The gas station where the winning ticket was sold also has reason to celebrate. The Illinois Lottery will award a $500,000 cash bonus for being the point of sale for the winning ticket.
Store manager Jon Marshall experienced a hectic night once the results were announced. "I had been awake since 3 a.m.," he stated, while fielding phone calls and text messages, urging customers to check their tickets.
This marks only the third time a Powerball ticket has won in Illinois. The previous instances were for more modest amounts: $37.5 million in Forest Park in December 2010, and $50 million in Freeport in March 2013.
Nationally, the largest Powerball jackpot ever recorded was $2.04 billion, won in California in November 2022.
The Illinois prize ranks eighth in the game's history, which is held three times a week across 45 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Understanding the Powerball Jackpot in Illinois
How can Illinois Powerball winners remain anonymous?
Illinois law allows Powerball winners to keep their identities confidential, offering them the choice of anonymity when claiming their prize.
What are the payout options for the Powerball jackpot winner?
The winner can choose between an annuitized payment of $1.04 billion over 30 years or a one-time cash payout of approximately $450.5 million, before taxes.
How often are Powerball drawings held?
Powerball drawings occur three times weekly, giving players multiple opportunities to win throughout the week.