Nine large Illinois Lottery prizes, each worth at least $100,000, remain unclaimed, adding up to more than $9 million. The biggest is a $7,400,002 Lotto prize from an October 2026 drawing, bought at a Chicago gas station.
The Lottery urges players to search wallets, junk drawers, cars and old purses for forgotten tickets. Draw-game prizes must be claimed within one year of the drawing date, according to the Lottery’s unclaimed prizes page.
Where the Winning Tickets Were Sold
The unclaimed tickets were purchased at retailers in Chicago, the Chicago suburbs and downstate Illinois. The table below lists the current unclaimed prizes.
| Game | Draw date | Prize | Where the ticket was purchased |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lotto | October 26, 2026 | $7,400,002 | Archer BP, 6751 W. Archer Ave., Chicago |
| Lucky Day Lotto | September 12, 2026 | $200,000 | Love’s Travel Stop No. 754, 400 Steward Road, Rochelle |
| Lucky Day Lotto | August 11, 2026 | $100,000 | True North 953, 654 W. North Ave., Elmhurst |
| Lucky Day Lotto | July 22, 2026 | $650,000 | Convenient Food Mart, 501 W. 87th St., Naperville |
| Powerball | January 24, 2026 | $150,000 | Anz America Inc., 3831 W. 95th St., Evergreen Park |
| Lucky Day Lotto | January 23, 2026 | $700,000 | Fosterwest Business Inc., 5201 N. Western Ave., Chicago |
| Powerball | December 17, 2025 | $200,000 | Jay’s Unlimited Liquor, 2900 Ogden Ave., Aurora |
| Powerball | December 15, 2025 | $200,000 | Hy-Vee, 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield |
| Lucky Day Lotto | November 7, 2025 | $250,000 | Torrence BP, 10300 S. Torrence Ave., Chicago |
A winning ticket bought at one of these stores does not mean every ticket sold there was a winner. It simply identifies where the lucky ticket was purchased. Players can scan tickets using the Lottery app or an in-store scanner to check results.
What To Do If You Have a Winning Ticket
Sign the back of the ticket right away and store it somewhere safe. The Lottery’s claim instructions explain that the process depends on the prize amount and whether the ticket was purchased online or at a retailer.
| Prize amount | How to claim |
|---|---|
| $600 or less | Many retailers can pay the prize if funds are available; otherwise, use a Claim Center, mail claim or e-Claim |
| More than $600 to $10,000 | Visit a Claim Center by appointment, mail a claim or submit an e-Claim |
| More than $10,000 to $1 million | Visit a Claim Center by appointment or mail a claim |
| More than $1 million | Call the Illinois Lottery Claims Department immediately |
Winners visiting a Claim Center must schedule an appointment. Bring the signed ticket, a completed claim form, photo identification and proof of a Social Security number. Claim Center locations are listed on the Illinois Lottery website.
Deadlines for Draw Games and Instant Tickets
Mega Millions, Powerball, Lotto, Lucky Day Lotto, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Fast Play prizes must be claimed within one year of the drawing. Instant-ticket prizes generally expire one year after the game’s announced end date.
The Lottery’s winner’s handbook provides additional details on deadlines, taxes and claim procedures.
How Online Winners Get Paid
For tickets bought through the Illinois Lottery website or app, prizes of $600 or less are automatically deposited into the player’s online account. If the deposit would push the account balance above $2,000, the excess is mailed by check.
Online prizes above $600 cannot be paid directly into the account. Winners must schedule a Claim Center appointment or submit a claim by mail. Eligible players can begin the process through the Illinois Lottery e-Claim portal.
Support for Problem Gambling
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), by texting “GAMBLER” to 833234, or through the Lottery’s responsible gambling resources.
