Illinois man wins USD 1 million lottery jackpot from birthday gift

A resident of Braidwood, Illinois, won a USD 1 million jackpot from a lottery ticket gifted to him by a friend during a birthday celebration organized by his wife. The winning ticket was part of the August 8 Lotto Million 2 drawing and matched all six winning numbers: 11, 17, 22, 26, 36, and 45.

The winner initially believed he had only won approximately USD 1,000. The true scale of the prize was only revealed when he and his wife visited an Illinois Lottery prize center to claim the smaller amount. Upon learning the actual jackpot value, the couple expressed significant shock and emotion.

The winner plans to use a portion of the winnings to visit family in Florida, fund an annual winter trip, purchase a new car and a golf cart, and celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.