Chicago, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – The Powerball jackpot has skyrocketed to an astonishing $1.7 billion ahead of Saturday night’s drawing, making it one of the largest in U.S. history — and Illinois players are already cashing in big.

In Wednesday night’s drawing, an Illinois Lottery player from Aurora claimed a $1 million prize after matching five numbers. The winning ticket was purchased at Joe’s Tobacco & Vape on W. Galena Blvd.

Other lucky players across the state also scored major wins:

  • Two players won $100,000 each using the Power Play feature on tickets bought at:

    • BP, 450 Cicero Ave., University Park

    • Shell, 11200 W. 31st St., Westchester

  • Six more players won $50,000 each at locations across Illinois, including:

    • 7-Eleven, 6000 W. Higgins, Chicago

    • BP Gas & Food, 2200 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora

    • Casey’s General Stores in Rock Falls and Princeton

    • Smokin’ Joe’s, Rock Island

    • Via iLottery (online)

Since this Powerball roll began on June 2, Illinois Lottery players have won over $15.7 million in prizes from more than 1.3 million winning tickets.

Retailers also benefit from every ticket sold, earning a 1% bonus on winning ticket prizes — and the State wins, too. With nearly $73.8 million in Powerball ticket sales during this jackpot run, nearly $29.5 million will go to the Common School Fund, supporting K-12 education across Illinois.

The next Powerball drawing takes place Saturday, September 6 at 9:59 p.m. CT. Tickets are $2, with an optional $1 Power Play add-on. Tickets can be purchased at licensed retailers, online at IllinoisLottery.com, or through the Illinois Lottery app.