Illinois Lottery player claims $14.6 million, the largest jackpot of 2025

EAST SAINT LOUIS, Ill. — An Illinois lottery player has claimed the largest Lotto jackpot of the year.

The winning ticket was purchased at Crown Mart, located at 306 E Broadway in East Saint Louis, Illinois.

“I started playing Lotto in January last year, and it quickly became my favorite game,” said the winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous under the name ‘East St. Louis Lotto Winner.’ 

The ticket matched all six numbers — 5-9-14-18-22-23 — in the August 25 drawing to win the $14,600,000 jackpot. The winner said they played their favorite numbers.

“I checked the Illinois Lottery’s website to see who won—and realized it was me. Of all of the people, it was me! I cried because I was too shocked.”

The winner plans to use the money to take care of family, get a nice house, drive a Lexus and take a trip to Paris.

Crown Mart will receive a $146,000 bonus, 1% of the prize amount, for selling the winning ticket.

According to the Illinois Lottery, this is the largest Illinois Lotto jackpot won in 2025, surpassing a previous $10.4 million prize awarded on February 8.

For more information or to buy tickets online, please visit IllinoisLottery.com.