Lottery Retailers Also Lottery “Winners”

Mega Millions Sales A Boost To Lottery Retailers

CHICAGO, August 16, 2022 – The recent $1.337 billion Mega Millions jackpot roll was also a big win for Illinois Lottery retailers across the state.

Illinois Lottery retailers across the State were inundated by players picking up a ticket for the third largest U.S. jackpot ever - increasing foot traffic and sales.

At the busiest point on draw day, Friday July 29, retailers were processing 79 Mega Millions tickets a second.

“Our retail network remains the backbone of the Illinois Lottery’s success. Every retailer plays a vital role in serving our players, particularly during a large jackpot roll,” said Illinois Lottery Director, Harold Mays.

Retailers receive a 5% commission on every lottery ticket sold in-store and a bonus for selling winning tickets of 1% of the prize amount. The winning ticket bonus is capped at a total of $500,000.

During the Mega Millions jackpot run from mid-April to the end of July, Illinois Lottery retailers generated an estimated $3.75 million in retail commissions and bonuses.

This included bonuses of $10,000 each to SRB Food Mart in Berkeley, JM Food Shop in Huntley, and BP in Zion for selling tickets that won $1 million during the jackpot roll.

Image: Speedway Des Plaines, seller of the $1.337 million  winning Mega Millions ticket

While it is not yet known who the winner is, Speedway is delighted that it was one of their customers in Des Plaines that won this historic Mega Millions jackpot.

“Nothing makes us happier than bringing a little bit of joy to our customers’ lives – or in this case, a whole lot of joy! We’re thrilled to play a part in this customer’s winning journey and hope many others in the community can experience the same luck from this special store,” said Michael Browning, Regional Director for Speedway.

Aside from the selling bonus, Speedway Des Plaines is benefitting from the publicity and increased foot traffic that comes from selling a winning ticket of this magnitude.

The Illinois Lottery is proud to support over 7,000 retailers across the State. And if you weren’t the lucky winner - there’s always tonight’s draw. The Mega Millions jackpot is now $82 million for the next drawing on Tuesday, August 16.

Background information

Illinois winners during the Mega Millions jackpot roll

• The roll started on April 16 and continued to July 29
• The jackpot of $1.337 billion was won in Illinois o a ticket bought at the Speedway in Des Plaines
• Four Mega Millions prizes of $1 million were won in Illinois
• 33 Mega Millions prizes over $10,000 were won in Illinois
• Over 1.4 million total winning ticket in Illinois, totalling over $11.8 million in prizes (excluding the jackpot)
• Retailers generated $3.75 million in commission and bonuses
• On the last two days of the Mega Millions jackpot run (Thursday July 28 and Friday July 28), Mega Millions commission and bonuses accounted for 70% of total commission payable to retailers.

About the Illinois Lottery:

Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $23 billion (since 1985) to the state’s Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools and special causes like Illinois Veterans services, the fight against breast cancer, MS and Alzheimer’s research, Special Olympics, police memorials, homelessness services and assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS. For more information, visit illinoislottery.com.