News writer
Big dreams turned into a $14.6 million reality for one Illinois Lotto player this week. The Monday night drawing created the state's biggest jackpot win of 2025, making headlines and putting a lucky ticket — and the store that sold it — into the spotlight.
While the new millionaire hasn't come forward yet to claim their big prize, excitement is already buzzing, and the ripple effects of the win are being felt across East Saint Louis and beyond.
Biggest jackpot win of 2025 in Illinois
One lucky ticket holder matched all six of the winning numbers for the Monday, August 25, 2025, Illinois Lottery Lotto. The Lotto jackpot had grown to $14.6 million before the win on Monday night.
The $14.6 million win is the largest Lotto jackpot won in 2025. The previous biggest Lotto jackpot of 2025 was $10.4 million, which was awarded on February 8.
The winning numbers for the August 25 drawing were 5, 9, 14, 18, 22, and 23. The new millionaire hasn't stepped forward to claim their prize. They have one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize.
Big win for the lottery retailer
This jackpot-winning ticket was purchased at Crown Mart, located at 306 E. Broadway in East Saint Louis, Illinois. For selling the winning ticket, the lucky retailer will receive a bonus of $146,000, one percent of the prize amount, from the state lottery.
Ed Hamed, store manager, told lottery officials:
“Our phone has been ringing off the hook with customers calling to congratulate us for selling the jackpot-winning Lotto ticket. In my nine years managing this location, this is the biggest winning ticket we've ever sold. We are thrilled for the winner and couldn't be more excited.”
Now that the store has the money from the state lottery, they have some big plans for that bonus. Hamed stated:
“We'll put it back into the business — remodel the inside and outside to make it more welcoming for our customers and hopefully attract new ones. And, of course, we'll be surprising our staff with something special to thank them for their dedication and great service.”
Jackpot run of millionaires
This latest jackpot run for the Lotto draw game in Illinois started on February 10, 2025. During that run, the Illinois Lottery created a total of five new millionaires.
- $14.6 million – August 25 drawing and winning ticket information shared above.
- $1 million – August 4 drawing; winning ticket purchased through iLottery.
- $1 million – July 10 drawing; winning ticket purchased at Citgo, located at 8755 W. 79th St. in Justice.
- $1 million – April 3 drawing; winning ticket purchased through iLottery.
- $1 million – February 17 drawing; winning ticket purchased through iLottery.
For 2025, there have been almost 4.5 million winning Lotto game tickets sold. The Illinois Lottery has paid out more than $44.8 million in prizes for Lotto players.
Enjoy playing the Illinois Lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
Comments