The Lotto Matrix: Historic iLottery Win In Illinois, theLotter Expands, More

Welcome to this week’s “Lotto Matrix,” a weekly Friday compilation of the lottery industry’s most significant, interesting, or absurd happenings.

iLottery player in Illinois $552 million richer

In a historic victory, an iLottery player used the state’s lottery app to win Tuesday night’s $552 million Mega Millions jackpot prize. According to the Illinois Lottery, this is the biggest prize ever won by an iLottery player in the United States. As the cherry on top, it also ended a 10-week winless drought for the jackpot prize.

The jackpot was originally reported to be $560 million but was later confirmed by lottery officials as an slightly lesser life-altering sum of $552 million. Nevertheless, to win the prize, the iLottery player had to match all five numbers and the Mega Ball, which in this case were 19-37-40-63-69-17. 

For some context, Illinois has a reputation for big wins. Almost two years ago, a single lottery ticket sold at a Speedway convenience store in Des Plaines, Illinois hit the big time. All six numbers matched, making the anonymous partnership the winners of the $1.337 billion Mega Millions jackpot. According to lottery officials, “This remains the largest lottery prize ever won in Illinois, and was at the time the third-largest lottery prize ever won in the U.S.”

Stiffer iLottery competition in New Jersey 

Speaking of iLottery news, theLotter, a lottery ticket courier service, has expanded into New Jersey. The courier service recently received regulatory approval to get the ball(s) rolling. It should be up and running soon, allowing Garden State residents to have yet another option to choose from for iLottery providers. TheLotter’s announcement comes on the heels of the same from competitor Jackpot.com just last week.

TheLotter offers New Jersey residents the ability to buy Powerball, Mega Millions, Pick-6, Jersey Cash 5, and other local draws through its service. People can purchase the tickets online via the app or website. 

Although theLotter will be competing against the likes of the Jackpocket and Jackpot.com, officials at theLotter are ready for the challenge. 

“Our launch in New Jersey is a great milestone,” Managing Director Peggy Daniel said. “Ordering lottery tickets online offers convenience and safety, and we’re proud to offer our services in the state, in addition to our operations in Texas, Oregon, and Minnesota, with plans to launch in New York very soon.”

The police truck keeps on rolling

Multiple reports indicate that Graeme and Katherine White won £1 million, or around $1.2 million USD, in the National Lottery’s EuroMillions on May 7.

The couple work as police officers in Cambridgeshire, England, and have a 5-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. While they’re not ready to hand in their badges and call it a day, they have drastically accelerated some lifelong plans.

“We’re only young and both enjoy what we do, so see no need to stop. But we have cut down our hours, which means we’ll have more of a work-life balance,” Graeme said in the statement, cited by The Independent.

“We always wanted to live somewhere rural with plenty of outdoor space for the children — and so we could keep some chickens and goats — but thought that would be something we’d have to wait for years down the line when we were able to downsize,” Graeme said. “However, now thanks to our amazing lucky break we don’t have to wait, our dream home can become a reality, and we can start house hunting right away. It’s crazy to think, but our 20-year plan has now become our 12-month plan!”

Aside from a new house, like many football players after winning the Super Bowl, they want to take their kids on a trip to Disneyland. 

Also, did someone say puppies?

“We’ve already started to think of names, and obviously have some National Lottery-inspired options on the list, including ‘Lottie’ and ‘Millie,'” Graeme said.

A lunchtime surprise 

A woman in Maryland bought a $30 Mega Money ticket and enjoyed — in stages — the thrill of scratching her way to $2 million. 

The finance worker, who wished to remain anonymous, was scratching her ticket during her lunchtime at work when she immediately realized that all 40 of the numbers in the game’s play area carried a $50,000 prize. As she continued to scratch the ticket, she decided to stop to avoid making a scene.

“It was a lot of $50,000 prizes and I just knew that I won $2,000,000,” she said. “I was shaken and crying.”

Now that she has her money, she plans to put most of it in the bank and use the rest to make a down payment on a new home.

Best of the rest

Making more deals: Scientific Games partners with award-winning Gift & Go platform delivered by Amazon

Another realm : Beaverton man wins grand prize playing Fantasy 5

Playing field: WLA President Rebecca Paul highlights integrity as a core pillar of sports betting

A 50/50 triumph: Hospital lottery winner didn’t believe good news phone call

Check the prize box and see you next week!