CORTLAND, Ill. (WAND) - Imagine becoming not only a millionaire overnight, but walking away $349 million richer.
The Illinois Lottery players who won the $349 million Mega Millions jackpot in the March 25 drawing have now come forward, although they are not releasing their names.
“We took a chance and bought a single Quick Pick ticket,” shared the lucky winners, nicknamed ‘Blessed.’ “We’re absolutely ecstatic and feel incredibly blessed. We plan to use this money to do good – this unbelievable prize will truly be the gift that keeps on giving.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Casey's General Store, located at 70 S. Somonauk Road in Cortland, Illinois. For selling the winning ticket, the retailer received a bonus of $500,000.
This win marks the fourth time an Illinois Lottery player has won a Mega Millions jackpot in nearly four years:
- In June 2024, an iLottery player won $552 million – making this the largest prize ever won by an online lottery player in the U.S.
- In July 2022, a ticket bought at a gas station in Des Plaines won a $1.34 billion Mega Millions jackpot - which remains the largest lottery prize ever won in Illinois.
- In June 2021, a Mega Millions player won $56 million at a Citgo gas station in Crestwood.
With nearly $24 million in total Mega Millions ticket sales during the jackpot run, the Illinois Lottery was able to return over $9 million to the Common School Fund to support K-12 education in Illinois.
Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot is an estimated $70 million, and each ticket costs $5. Tickets for the game can be purchased in-store, online, or on the Illinois Lottery app. For more information or to buy tickets online, visit IllinoisLottery.com.
Copyright 2025 WAND TV. All rights reserved.
