Vandalia Woman Wins $3 Million Top Prize On $30 Scratch-Off After Last-Minute Retailer Switch
Photo caption: An Illinois Lottery player, showcasing her excitement with a cheerful prop, celebrates her big win after claiming a $3 million top prize on a scratch-off ticket.
CHICAGO, January 16, 2026 — A Vandalia woman is still reeling after winning a $3 million top prize on the Illinois Lottery’s $30 Royal Riches scratch-off ticket—thanks to a last-minute change in plans on Christmas Eve.
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, said she originally planned to purchase a ticket at another retailer, but the store was closed for the holiday.
“I was going to stop at another gas station, but it was closed for Christmas Eve,” she said. “Phillips was the only place open, so I decided to go there instead.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Phillips 66, located at 701 Veterans Ave. in Vandalia. A Vandalia native, the winner was visiting family in her hometown when she purchased several scratch-off tickets, sharing some with her son and mother.
“I kept the $30 ticket for myself,” she said. “I really liked the design.”
“When I scanned the ticket at the store, I honestly thought the machine was broken—until I realized I had won $3 million,” the lucky winner said.
The newly minted millionaire plans to use part of her prize to support her family while setting aside the rest for retirement. She also plans to continue running her cleaning business.
“I don’t plan on quitting,” she said with a smile. “I’ll take a family vacation, but I’m still working.”
For selling the winning ticket, the retailer will receive a bonus of one percent of the prize amount, totalling $30,000.
In 2025, Illinois Lottery scratch-off games produced more than 60.8 million winning tickets, awarding players over $1.62 billion in prizes.
The Illinois Lottery currently offers a range of Holiday Instant Ticket games priced from $1 to $20, available at nearly 7,000 retail locations across Illinois.
Playing the lottery should be a form of entertainment. Please remember to set a limit and stick to it. 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.