Lucky In Green: Illinois Lottery Player’s Color Choice Leads To $1 Million Windfall
Photo caption: Illinois Lottery’s newest millionaire, self-named San Judas Tadeo, takes a celebratory photo with an oversized check at the Des Plaines Prize Center.
CHICAGO, April 21, 2025 – An Illinois Lottery player is rolling in green—thanks to a lucky pick of a green-colored scratch-off ticket that scored them a cool $1 million prize.
The winning ticket, $10,000,000 Bankroll, was purchased at a Speedway gas station, located at 3200 S. Cicero Ave. in Chicago.
“My favorite color is green because Saint Jude—my favorite Apostle—wore a green robe,” exclaimed the lucky winner, who dubbed himself San Judas Tadeo. “I saw the green scratch-off ticket, so I took a chance—and boy, did it pay off big time. I was in complete shock—totally speechless. I didn’t say a word to anyone, just kept staring at the ticket. Then I slowly walked to my car like nothing had happened.”
When asked who was the first person he shared the exciting news with, the newly-minted millionaire said it was his wife—but she didn’t believe him.
“I called my wife from the car and told her we won $1 million, but she kept saying, ‘You’re crazy, you’re seeing things—I don’t believe you.’ When I got home, I told my kids, and they didn’t believe me either. I finally scanned the ticket, and everyone’s mouths just dropped—then came the screaming, crying, and jumping up and down in joy.”
When asked what he plans to do with his sudden windfall, the winner shared, “First, pay some bills and get our finances in order. Then, buy VIP Chicago Bulls tickets for next season. My son and I are huge fans, but it’s been over eight years since we’ve been to a live game. This will be our first time in the VIP section—and probably the last—a special treat for both of us."
For selling the winning ticket, the Speedway gas station will also share in the celebration—with a $10,000 cash bonus.
So far this year, more than 18.3 million winning Illinois Lottery scratch-off tickets have been sold, netting players over $483.5 million in prizes.
The Illinois Lottery currently offers a range of Instant Ticket games priced from $1 to $50, available at approximately 7,000 retail locations across Illinois.
Instant Tickets b-roll available for the media; download here.
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.