A Chicago man, affectionately known as "Big Money D," scored a life-changing sum of $650,000 from the Illinois Lottery, using uniquely significant numbers. The lucky numbers—9, 11, 12, 13, and 17—hold sentimental value for Big Money D as they are tied to his late wife. In a stroke of serendipity, "When I won, it felt like it was a message from her," Big Money D told WGN-TV. He made the fortuitous switch to the Lucky Day Lotto game on the evening of Nov. 16, stepping away momentarily from his usual Pick 4 routine to potentially hit it big.
The win hasn't failed to shock the Chicago resident, who bought the ticket from a Mariano’s at 5201 N. Sheridan Road in the Edgewater neighborhood. "I’m still so shocked and excited about the win, I have barely been able to sleep!" he revealed, his life now to take a turn for the better. According to an interview with Fox 32 Chicago, Big Money D's plans include making the leap to purchase a dream home—a sanctuary for himself and his children.
Though the winner is engulfed in the planning of this next chapter, the retailer is also about to get a slight boost. Mariano will receive a $6,500 bonus for selling the golden ticket, a modest yet significant one percent slice of the prize pie. This win is part of a larger picture of lottery success in the state with more than 27,600 tickets winning various amounts that evening, and a collective payout surpassing $724,000—an event that underscores the unpredictable generosity of chance.
"I’m already looking at houses, and can’t wait to purchase my dream home for myself and my kids—it truly is a dream come true," he confessed to Fox 32 Chicago.
