Chicago Man Wins Nearly $500,000 iLottery Jackpot Just In Time For The Holidays
Photo caption: Chicago resident Peter is all smiles after winning the $487,929 jackpot playing the Illinois Lottery’s Luxury Loot FastPlay game online.
CHICAGO, November 21, 2025 — A casual iLottery play while waiting for a friend has turned into a thrilling surprise for Chicago resident Peter, who won a $487,929 FastPlay jackpot on the Illinois Lottery’s $10 Luxury Loot game.
Drawn in by the game’s unique theme, Peter purchased the winning ticket online. “I just love dogs! This game has an adorable little bulldog,” he said. “I noticed the jackpot was growing, and I just knew I had to play.”
The win couldn’t have come at a better time. “I was waiting for a friend after buying them a gift and a few groceries for the week,” Peter recalled. “I was stunned when I saw I had won.”
With a laugh, the lucky winner added, “My friend was just a block away. I dropped the groceries right then and started running towards them screaming in excitement!”
The jackpot win has given the Chicago mechanic a welcome boost and a sense of possibility. “I feel blessed to have won this money. It breaks a generational curse. I can change many people’s lives,” he shared.
Peter’s plans extend beyond helping family and friends. With the holiday season approaching, he hopes to share his good fortune through small acts of kindness. “I love investing in my community—gestures like paying for someone’s meal or expenses make my heart full,” he added.
You could be next! FastPlay is a style of lottery games that are quick and easy, and can be played at any time. There are no numbers to pick, no play slip to complete, no scratching, and no waiting for winning numbers. The Illinois Lottery currently offers 35 FastPlay games at various price points and play styles.
Tickets for the game can be purchased in-store, online, or on the Illinois Lottery app. For more information or to buy tickets online, please visit IllinoisLottery.com.
FastPlay b-roll, available for the media; download here.
The Illinois Lottery reminds players to play for fun, not funds. Be Smart, Play Smart®. Must be 18 or older to play. Game odds available at IllinoisLottery.com.
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About the Illinois Lottery
The Illinois Lottery, founded in 1974, has contributed over $25 billion to the State’s Common School Fund in support of K-12 public education in Illinois since 1985. The Common School Fund is the Illinois Lottery’s primary beneficiary, receiving nearly 99% of Illinois Lottery proceeds. The Illinois Lottery also supports various specialty causes as described in the Illinois Lottery Law (20 ILCS 1605/21.4). For more information about the Illinois Lottery and the causes we support, please visit IllinoisLottery.com.