Illinois Lottery player claims $536M prize

(WAND) - An Illinois woman became an overnight multi millionaire.

The winner, who has chosen to stay anonymous under the nickname "Lucky Lady," purchased her Mega Millions ticket online through the iLottery platform.

This is the first Mega Millions jackpot to be claimed in 2026 and the second-largest ever won by an online lottery player in the United States.

"I didn't even plan to play that day - I had actually tried to buy a ticket online a week earlier, but I forgot to finalize the purchase," the winner said. "I even joked with my boss that day, saying, "It wasn't meant to go through."

The played for the March 10 drawing, selecting a Quick Pick and reshuffling numbers several times before setting on a set that included her favorite number, 16.

"Lucky Lady" matched all five numbers - 16, 21, 30, 35, 65 - and Mega Ball 7 to win the jackpot.

This is the first time an Illinois Lottery player has won the Mega Millions jackpot in nearly five years.

"I've always dreamed of buying a new family house with a swimming pool," the winner said. "We're also planning a family meeting soon, so a cruise or maybe even a trip to Vegas could definitely be on the table."