Single ticket in Illinois wins $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot
A single Powerball ticket sold at a Hy-Vee gas station in Quincy, Illinois, won the $1.04 billion jackpot Wednesday night, making it the eighth-largest prize in the lottery's history. The winning numbers were 4, 26, 66, 67, 69, and red Powerball 9. This was the first grand prize winner in over three months, ending a 44-drawing streak with no jackpot winner. The winner has not come forward yet but can remain anonymous in Illinois. They face an important choice: receive the full $1.04 billion spread over 30 annual payments, or take a one-time lump sum of $450.5 million before taxes. After federal withholding of 24 percent and top marginal tax rates, the actual take-home could be around $283.8 million, with Illinois adding a 4.95 percent state tax. The Hy-Vee station receives a $500,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Key facts
- Winning ticket purchased at Hy-Vee gas station in Quincy, Illinois on August 13, 2026
- Winning numbers: 4, 26, 66, 67, 69 and red Powerball 9
- Advertised jackpot: $1.04 billion, eighth-largest in Powerball history
- Lump sum option: $450.5 million before taxes
- After 24% federal withholding and 37% marginal tax rate: approximately $283.8 million
- Illinois state tax: 4.95% of total winnings
- Winner can remain anonymous in Illinois
- First grand prize winner in 44 consecutive drawings since May 2, 2026
- Odds of winning: 1 in 292.2 million
- Hy-Vee location receives $500,000 retailer bonus
Limits of this briefing
The winner has not yet come forward, so details about their identity or intentions remain unknown. Political outlets showed minimal partisan framing of this story, as lottery news is typically covered as straightforward financial and human interest reporting rather than a vehicle for ideological messaging.
Sources
- Washington Post: $1 billion Powerball jackpot has a winner Centre
- CNN: Powerball player in Illinois wins $1 billion jackpot Centre
- Forbes: Illinois Powerball Player Wins $1 Billion Jackpot—But Here's Why They Won't Become A Billionaire Centre
- NBC Chicago: One lucky winner hits the $1 billion Powerball jackpot Centre
- U.S. News & World Report: Winning Ticket for $1 Billion Powerball Jackpot Was Sold in Illinois Centre