One fortunate Des Plaines resident won big during Sunday (September 22) night's lottery drawing after purchasing a winning ticket at a local BP gas station.
According to an Illinois Lottery press release, the winner in question, whose identity has yet to be revealed, won a whopping $1.45 million after guessing all five winning numbers needed to secure the jackpot. Gas station owner Febin Thomas is no stranger to winning tickets, as the BP where the winner purchased the ticket has sold two large winning scratch-offs in recent years.
Thomas expressed excitement surrounding celebrations, revealing that the winner was also extremely pleased.
"I’m almost too excited to think straight! I actually know who the winner is because they came to the store yesterday morning to tell us the big news – they were so excited!"
The owner continued:
"I couldn’t be happier for the winner. They’re a regular customer who has been coming into our store for many years. I’m thrilled this win is going to a familiar face and that we were able to celebrate with the lucky winner."
The BP gas station will receive a $14,500 bonus just for being the store to sell the winning ticket. Thomas revealed plans to spend the money on the station's employees.
"I have many longtime employees, some have even worked for me for over ten years, and I’d love to share the bonus with them."