‘I took a chance’: Illinois Lottery player’s favorite color wins him $1M on scratch-off bought at Chicago gas station

CHICAGO — An Illinois Lottery player is a $1 million richer thanks to his lucky pick of a green-colored scratch-off ticket from a gas station on the city’s Northwest Side.

The “$10,000,000 Bankroll” ticket was purchased at a Speedway, located at 3200 South Cicero Avenue in the Portage Park neighborhood.

“My favorite color is green because Saint Jude—my favorite Apostle—wore a green robe,” exclaimed the lucky winner, who dubbed himself San Judas Tadeo. “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. 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 lucky winner said the first person he shared the news with was his wife, but she didn’t believe him.

“I called my wife from the car and told her we won $1 million, but she kept saying, ‘You’re crazy, you’re seeing things—I don’t believe you.’ When I got home, I told my kids, and they didn’t believe me either. I finally scanned the ticket, and everyone’s mouths just dropped—then came the screaming, crying, and jumping up and down in joy.” 

When asked what he plans to do with the money, he shared, “First, pay some bills and get our finances in order. Then, buy VIP Chicago Bulls tickets for next season. My son and I are huge fans, but it’s been over eight years since we’ve been to a live game. This will be our first time in the VIP section—and probably the last—a special treat for both of us.”

The Speedway gas station will earn a $10,000 cash bonus for selling the winning ticket.

For more information about the Illinois Lottery, go to IllinoisLottery.com.