Kewanee, Illinois man Steve won a $1 million prize on a $5 scratch-off ticket just days before his birthday and plans to spend more time with his son.
Steve of Kewanee, Illinois, received an early birthday surprise after winning a $1 million top prize on a $5 Onyx instant ticket just days before his birthday.
“This win came just in time,” Steve said. “I’ll tell you what, this is the best birthday gift I’ve ever gotten.”
Steve purchased the winning ticket at Beck’s North at 401 E. 2nd St. in Kewanee.
The million-dollar win came only weeks after Steve had narrowly missed out on another big prize. He recalled debating between two $5 tickets, eventually choosing one that did not win, while his coworker bought the other ticket and won $10,000.
When Steve later returned to the same store, he told one of the workers about what had happened. The worker asked him whether the next ticket would be the winner.
Steve took that as a sign when he bought his $5 ticket, a decision that ultimately made him a millionaire.
He discovered the winning prize during a quiet evening at home while watching television and scratching the ticket with a vintage coin.
“I told myself, ‘This will be my lucky token today,’” he said. “And it sure was.”
After revealing the winning prize, Steve downloaded the Illinois Lottery app and scanned the ticket to confirm that he had won $1 million.
With the money, Steve plans to invest in several home improvement projects, including building a new garage. He is also considering buying another car.
Most importantly, however, the win will allow him to spend more time in Arizona during the winter, where his son lives.
The retailer that sold the winning ticket will receive a $10,000 bonus, equal to 1% of the prize amount.
