MOUNT VERNON, Ill. — A lucky player in Illinois has struck it rich, winning a staggering $1.4 million jackpot from the Illinois Lottery. The life-changing prize of $1,498,172 was won during a game of Cash Castle, a $30 progressive FastPlay game, on Wednesday.
Details released by Illinois Lottery officials indicate that the winning ticket was purchased at a Hucks store on Fairfield Road, where the retailer will benefit as well, receiving a bonus of approximately $14,982, which is equivalent to one percent of the jackpot amount.
While the big winner has not yet come forward, the implications of this win are significant. According to TaxAct’s Lottery Tax Calculator, the winner will net around $1,064,451 after federal and state taxes are deducted, with approximately $359,561 going to federal taxes and $74,159 to state taxes.
Cash Castle is among the 35 FastPlay games available through the Illinois Lottery, with a ticket price of $30. Players have a 1 in 3.24 chance of winning any prize, while the odds of hitting the jackpot stand at 1 in 240,000.
Winners of such prizes have one year from their win date to claim their rewards. Lottery officials remind players to sign the backs of their winning tickets and store them safely until they’re ready to claim their prizes.
For more information about the lottery games or to learn about previous big winnings, players can visit the Illinois Lottery’s official website. As always, those facing challenges with gambling can find assistance by contacting the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER for local resources.
This remarkable jackpot win serves as a reminder of the excitement and life-changing possibilities that the lottery can bring to individuals and communities.