An Illinois man’s birthday celebration turned into a million-dollar surprise after a lottery ticket gifted to him by a friend won a $1 million prize.
The Bradwood resident had received several lottery tickets inside an envelope from a friend during a birthday party organised by his wife, according to a report by UPI.
“I never would’ve imagined actually winning,” the man told Illinois Lottery officials, according to UPI.
“I thought, ‘Wow, a thousand bucks isn’t bad, this was a great day. He is also considering buying a new car and a golf cart. The couple also plans to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary with a cruise.
But a lottery worker told him that his prize was actually worth $1 million. Prizes of more than $600 and up to $1 million can be claimed at a claim centre by appointment or by mail, according to the official Illinois Lottery.
But I was not prepared for what came next,” he said. “We told the staff that I won a thousand dollars,” he said. He said he plans to use some of the money for his annual trip to visit family in Florida. The winner said he would also treat his children during the celebrations. The lottery’s official guidance also says winners of Lotto prizes must claim them within one year of the drawing date.
