Cary, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – A spur-of-the-moment choice turned into a life-changing fortune for an Illinois Lottery player who scored a staggering $1 million prize on a $10 scratch-off ticket.

The lucky winner, who chose to remain anonymous and goes by the nickname Wishing Fish, had initially planned to purchase a different game but was drawn inexplicably to the Ultimate Bonus Payout ticket instead.

“I was planning to buy a different scratch-off game,” she said. “But as I looked over the other options, this ticket stood out. It was as if my vision blocked out all the other tickets—this one was meant to be.”

She purchased the winning ticket at the Jewel-Osco store located at 696 Northwest Hwy in Cary. As part of Illinois Lottery policy, the retailer will receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the prize-winning ticket.

The moment of realization was as unforgettable as the win itself.

“I was at home eating a chocolate bar with the song Money by Pink Floyd playing in the background,” she recalled. “I scratched the last symbol and immediately FaceTimed my son, repeating over and over, ‘I’m going to have a heart attack—I just won $1 million!’”

True to her nickname, Wishing Fish plans to spread the good fortune. “I plan to share the winnings with about 15 family members,” she said, noting that her three grown children will receive the largest portions. She’s also helping a close friend and her four children secure stable housing.

As for treating herself? She has a few bucket list items to check off. “I want to buy a car with a sunroof and take a vacation somewhere in the Keys with my husband where I can swim with dolphins,” she added.

This marks the 35th Illinois Lottery scratch-off ticket worth $1 million or more claimed in 2025. So far this year, more than 35 million winning scratch-offs have been sold across the state, with total winnings exceeding $937 million.

The Illinois Lottery currently offers a variety of Instant Ticket games ranging from $1 to $50 at approximately 7,000 retailers statewide.