Consider this a sign that your lucky superstition may just work the next time you buy a lottery ticket.
An Illinois Lottery player who purchased a $10,000,000 Bankroll scratch-off ticket recently at a Chicago gas station snagged $1 million, lottery officials said.
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WATCH HEREAccording to officials, the player chose the game — a green, scratch-off ticket for $50 — because of his favorite color.
“My favorite color is green because Saint Jude—my favorite Apostle—wore a green robe,” the lottery winner, who dubbed himself San Judas Tadeo, said in a news release. “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," the winner, who purchased the ticket at a Speedway gas station, located at 3200 S. Cicero Ave., went on to say. "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.”
The winner says he told his wife and kids about the $1 million win, but they didn't believe him.
"I finally scanned the ticket, and everyone’s mouths just dropped—then came the screaming, crying, and jumping up and down in joy," he said.
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The winner hopes to use the money to first get his family's finances organized. After that, he hopes to take his son to the Chicago Bulls game -- VIP style.
"My son and I are huge fans, but it’s been over eight years since we’ve been to a live game," he said. "This will be our first time in the VIP section—and probably the last—a special treat for both of us."
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SIGN UP The Speedway Gas station will also take home a $10,000 bonus cash prize, lottery officials said, for selling the winning ticket.
According to lottery officials, the $50 scratch-off instant ticket was released in 2023, with three $10 million prizes and 15 $1 million prizes.
More than 18.3 million winning Illinois Lottery scratch-off tickets have been sold since 2025, the Illinois Lottery said, resulting in $483.5 million in prizes.
