An Illinois Lottery player, preferring the anonymity under the moniker "Rex," struck gold with a $1 million winning Powerball ticket purchased in Aurora. According to ABC7 Chicago, the ticket was bought at Joe's Tobacco and Vape & Phone Repair Shop, located at 1945 W. Galena Blvd., for the September 3 drawing. This lucky turn of events brings the number of Powerball millionaires in the state to eight this year.
Rex shared with both ABC7 Chicago and FOX 32 Chicago about their delayed realization of the win, saying, "I woke up the next day after the drawing, had my second cup of coffee, and suddenly remembered to check the numbers." The astonishment didn't fully set in quickly, with Rex adding, "It took a whole day to sink in. I triple-checked my ticket and even scanned it at the store where I bought it. I barely slept that night - my blood pressure was through the roof!"
The store that sold the ticket, Joe's Tobacco and Vape & Phone Repair Shop, is set to receive a $10,000 selling bonus for its role in this windfall. As for Rex, the newfound wealth will fuel a lifelong passion as they plan to use some of the prize money to purchase a new car. Rex further intends to spread the joy by buying gifts for loved ones, a sentiment echoed in statements to both news outlets.
