Record-Setting Illinois Wins
Illinois has produced some of the most historic lottery wins in American history. The state was home to one of three winning tickets in the record $1.6 billion Mega Millions jackpot in August 2023. A single ticket sold in the Des Plaines area claimed the Illinois share of that prize. Earlier, in March 2012, a group from the Maryland suburbs of Illinois purchased one of three winning Mega Millions tickets worth $656 million. Illinois has consistently ranked among the top states for producing major lottery winners, aided by its large population of nearly 13 million and high per-capita ticket sales. For strategy guides on the big games, see our Powerball Guide and Mega Millions Guide.
Lucky Day Lotto and State Game Winners
While the mega-jackpots grab national headlines, Lucky Day Lotto and Illinois Lotto produce winners far more frequently. Lucky Day Lotto's twice-daily draws with a rolling jackpot starting at $100,000 create regular winners across the state. Illinois Lotto's supplementary Lotto Million 1 and Lotto Million 2 drawings produce additional million-dollar winners with every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday draw. These state-exclusive games deliver more consistent wins suited to regular players.
Illinois Lottery Taxes: Straightforward Flat Rate
Illinois applies a flat 4.95% state income tax on lottery winnings — no progressive brackets, no local taxes, no surprises. Combined with the 24% federal withholding rate, Illinois winners face an effective tax rate of approximately 28.95%. This is moderate nationally — better than New York (10.9% + NYC), Maryland (up to 12.7%), and neighboring Wisconsin (7.65%), but higher than zero-tax states like Texas and Florida. The flat rate means the tax calculation is the same whether you win $1,000 or $100 million. For a detailed breakdown, see What Happens When You Win and Tax-Free Lottery States.
Claiming Your Prize in Illinois
Illinois Lottery prizes must be claimed within one year of the drawing date. Prizes of $600 or less can be claimed at any Illinois Lottery retailer. Prizes from $601 to $999 can be claimed at a Claim Center or by mail. Prizes of $1,000 and above require visiting an Illinois Lottery Claim Center in person — locations include Chicago, Des Plaines, Rockford, Springfield, and Fairview Heights. Winners of $250,000 or more should seek independent legal and financial advice before claiming. Illinois does allow winners of certain prize levels to remain anonymous under legislation passed in 2024.
Lump Sum vs. Annuity
For Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots, Illinois winners can choose between a lump-sum cash payment (typically around 60% of the advertised jackpot) or an annuity paid over 30 years. Illinois Lotto also offers both options. Lucky Day Lotto jackpots are paid as lump sums. With Illinois's flat 4.95% state tax, the effective rate is identical for both options — unlike progressive-tax states where the annuity can push you into different brackets over time. Use our Jackpot Tax Calculator to model the difference.