Illinois lottery $1M Powerball ticket sold in Forest Park, winner hasn’t claimed yet

Created on:

By: Annabelle Ink

A $1 million Powerball ticket sold at a Forest Park gas station remains unclaimed days after the drawing. The Illinois Lottery winner matched all five white ball numbers but hasn’t stepped forward, leaving the mysterious ticket holder with a ticking clock.

🔥 Quick Facts

  • Winning ticket sold at: Refiners Citgo, 7323 Randolph St, Forest Park, Illinois
  • Drawing date: February 4, 2026 (Wednesday night)
  • Prize amount: $1 million, first $1M+ Powerball win in Illinois this year
  • Claim deadline: 1 year from drawing date (until February 4, 2027)

A Mystery Winner Emerges in Forest Park

An anonymous Illinois Lottery player matched all five white ball numbers on February 4, 2026, claiming a $1 million Powerball prize. The winning numbers were 27, 29, 30, 37, and 58. What makes this story special is that the ticket was sold at Refiners Citgo in Forest Park, a suburban Chicago gas station. Store owner Jagdish Singh confirmed the sale but hasn’t met the jackpot winner yet.

Singh expressed excitement about the win, saying the timing couldn’t be better. He plans to use his $10,000 retailer bonus to upgrade the store facilities, including purchasing a new cooler for customers.

The Gas Station Celebrates Its Biggest Win

For Refiners Citgo, this marks a historic moment. The neighborhood fixture has operated since the 1930s, originally as Refiners Pride before becoming a Citgo location. Jagdish Singh purchased the business 15 years ago and has watched countless customers buy lottery tickets.

The $1 million win dwarfs all previous prizes sold there. Last summer, a $400,000 scratch-off ticket was sold at the same location, but this Powerball jackpot takes the crown. Singh never imagined his small gas station would become the site of such a massive windfall.

Critical Details for Winners and Players

Factor Details
Gross Prize $1,000,000
Federal Taxes ~$240,000 (24% withholding)
Illinois State Taxes ~$49,500 (4.95% rate)
After-Tax Winnings Approximately $710,500
Payout Options Lump sum or 30 annual payments

“I couldn’t believe it—we’ve been waiting for this moment! We don’t know who the winner is yet, but with all the local foot traffic, there’s a good chance they’re from the surrounding area.”

Jagdish Singh, Refiners Citgo Store Owner

The Clock is Ticking with a One Year Deadline

The mysterious winner must claim their prize before February 4, 2027. In Illinois, lottery winners have exactly one year from the drawing date to come forward. Missing this deadline means forfeiting the entire $1 million jackpot. The anonymous winner can choose between a single lump sum or 30 annual installment payments.

Winners in Illinois earning $250,000 or more can request anonymity at the time of claiming. This means the winner doesn’t have to reveal their identity unless they choose to do so. Some players use this option to protect their privacy and avoid unwanted attention.

What Makes This Win Special for Illinois Lottery Players?

This $1 million Powerball victory is the first prize of $1 million or more sold in Illinois since the start of 2026. That makes Refiners Citgo the luckiest gas station in the state so far. Powerball drawings happen every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 9:59 p.m. Central Time. Tickets cost $2 each, with optional Power Play add-ons for $1 more.

The mystery has sparked conversations throughout suburban Chicago. Could the winner be a regular customer who buys tickets every week? Perhaps it’s someone who bought a single ticket on a whim. Without a public claim, speculation will continue until the 12-month deadline approaches in early 2027.


Red94 is an independent media. Support us by adding us to your Google News favorites:

Leave a review