Winning the lottery is a freak occurrence. Most people spend decades chasing a dream that never materializes, but for one anonymous resident, the dream hit hard on a Monday night in August. We’re talking about the Illinois Lotto winner from East St. Louis who managed to snag a staggering $14.6 million jackpot—the largest the state had seen all year in 2025. It wasn't some complicated system or a "guaranteed" strategy. Basically, it was just a set of personal "favorite numbers" and a quick stop at a local gas station.
The Night Everything Changed at Crown Mart
The winning ticket wasn't sold at a massive corporate hub or a high-traffic Chicago terminal. It came from the Crown Mart at 306 E. Broadway in East St. Louis. If you’ve ever driven down Broadway, you know the spot. It’s a neighborhood staple. Ed Hamed, who has managed that location for nearly a decade, said his phone was ringing off the hook for days.
People were calling just to say congrats. It’s not every day a local shop hands out a ticket worth eight figures.
For selling the winning numbers—5-9-14-18-22-23—the store itself pocketed a $146,000 bonus. That’s a 1% commission that most retailers only dream of. Hamed mentioned he wanted to use that cash to remodel the store and give his staff a little something extra. Honestly, that’s the kind of community impact people forget about when they see these massive headlines.
"Of All the People, It Was Me"
The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous (smart move), didn’t even realize they were a multi-millionaire until the next morning. Imagine waking up, grabbing your coffee, and checking the Illinois Lottery website only to see your "favorite numbers" staring back at you.
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"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."
That’s a real quote from the winner. No PR polish there, just pure, raw disbelief. They had only started playing the state-only Lotto game in January 2024. Less than two years of playing and they hit the biggest jackpot of 2025. Life is weird like that.
Where Does $14.6 Million Go?
Everyone has a "lottery list." You probably have one too. Buy a boat, quit the job, move to an island—the usual stuff. But this Illinois Lotto winner from East St. Louis actually kept it pretty grounded. Their priorities were surprisingly relatable:
- Family First: Their granddaughters' education is the top priority. That’s a legacy play.
- The House and the Car: They mentioned getting a "nice house" and driving a Lexus. Not a gold-plated Ferrari, just a Lexus.
- The Dream Trip: Paris. They want to go sightseeing and "take it all in."
There’s something incredibly human about winning $14.6 million and still just wanting a reliable luxury car and a trip to France. It’s a far cry from the "lottery curse" stories we usually hear where people blow through the cash in six months.
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Why This Specific Jackpot Mattered
This wasn't just another win. The $14.6 million prize from the August 25, 2025, drawing officially became the largest Illinois Lotto jackpot of the year. It beat out a $10.4 million prize from back in February.
Lotto is a bit different from Powerball or Mega Millions. It’s an Illinois-only game. That means the money stays in the state, and the odds—while still astronomical—are technically better than the multi-state behemoths.
Breaking Down the Numbers
- Date of Win: August 25, 2025
- Jackpot Total: $14,600,000
- Store Location: Crown Mart, 306 E. Broadway, East St. Louis
- The Numbers: 5, 9, 14, 18, 22, 23
- Retailer Bonus: $146,000
The Reality of Anonymity in Illinois
In Illinois, you can actually stay anonymous if you win a prize over $250,000. This is a huge deal. In some states, they parade you in front of cameras with a giant cardboard check. Not here. You can request that your name and city of residence be kept private to avoid the inevitable "long-lost cousins" who suddenly need a loan.
The East St. Louis winner took full advantage of this. They are known to the public only as the "East St. Louis Lotto Winner." It allows them to buy that Lexus and that house without a target on their back.
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What You Should Do If You Win
Look, the odds are slim. We all know that. But if you do find yourself holding a ticket like the one from Crown Mart, there are a few things you’ve got to do immediately.
First, sign the back of the ticket. Seriously. In the eyes of the lottery commission, whoever signs that paper owns it.
Second, don't tell everyone. The East St. Louis winner stayed quiet for a reason. You need time to get a financial advisor and a lawyer who specializes in high-net-worth individuals.
Third, decide between the lump sum and the annuity. Most people take the cash up front, but the annuity—distributed over 20+ years—can be a safer bet for people who aren't great with budgets.
Actionable Steps for Future Players
- Check the App: Don't rely on the gas station clerk to tell you if you won. Use the official Illinois Lottery app to scan your own tickets.
- Play Responsibly: The winner only started playing in early 2024. It’s a game of chance, not a retirement plan.
- Support Local: Buying from local retailers like Crown Mart helps small businesses get those 1% bonuses, which can be life-changing for the owners and staff.
The story of the Illinois Lotto winner from East St. Louis is a reminder that sometimes, the "favorite numbers" actually do show up. Whether it's luck, fate, or just the law of large numbers, one resident's life changed forever on a random Monday in East Saint Louis.