Illinois Mother Starts New Year With $350,000 Lucky Day Lotto Jackpot Win
Photo caption: An Illinois Lottery player is celebrating the new year $350,000 richer after winning a Lucky Day Lotto jackpot on Christmas Day.
CHICAGO, January 7, 2026 — An Illinois Lottery player is starting the new year on a high note after claiming a $350,000 Lucky Day Lotto® jackpot won in the Christmas Day drawing.
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous under the name ‘Work Mom,’ purchased her winning ticket online and personally selected each of the numbers.
“Everyone at my job calls me ‘Work Mom’ since I’m the oldest,” the winner shared.
Work Mom said she was relaxing and watching television when she received an email alert notifying her of the win. “At first, I thought it was a glitch,” she laughed. “I almost had a panic attack—I immediately checked the Illinois Lottery app to make sure it was real.”
The winning ticket matched all five numbers— 4-10-12-30-31— in the December 25 Lucky Day Lotto drawing to secure the $350,000 jackpot. The numbers held special meaning for the winner, as they represent birthdays for her and her children.
“I felt optimistic when I played those numbers,” said the winner. “It turned out to be a Christmas Day blessing.”
With her winnings, Work Mom plans to invest in retirement, contribute to her daughters’ education, and take a long-awaited family vacation.
“We’re checking off a big item on my husband’s wish list,” she said. “We’re going to Alaska.”
Lucky Day Lotto is an Illinois-only draw game with two daily drawings at 12:40 p.m. and 9:22 p.m., and jackpots start at $100,000. Tickets are available in-store, online, and via the Illinois Lottery app.
Lucky Day Lotto b-roll is available for use by 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.