Prairie State Wire

Illinois Lottery player Ashur Al Rahib from Chicago has won $1 million with a $10 scratch-off ticket. The winning ticket was purchased at a Mobil gas station in the West Ridge neighborhood, located at 2500 W. Peterson Avenue.

Al Rahib shared his experience, stating, “I stop by this gas station often as it’s in my neighborhood. On this particular day, I wasn’t sure which lottery ticket to pick. The store associate, Romy, showed me a few options but covered the names of the games so I couldn’t see them. I randomly pointed at one – and I can’t believe the ticket I chose has made me a millionaire!”

Romy Singh, the store associate who sold Al Rahib his winning ticket, expressed his happiness for him: “Ashur is a good and hardworking man. He’s been coming here for a long time, so we’ve gotten to know each other.” Singh added that after realizing his win, Al Rahib returned to thank him: “‘You gave me good luck, thank you!’ He was so happy, and I’m very happy for him.”

The Mobil station has had previous successes with lottery tickets; it sold $25,000 and $50,000 winning tickets in recent years.

Reflecting on his win, Al Rahib said he would double-check his ticket every morning before claiming his prize to ensure it was real. Regarding plans for his winnings, he mentioned buying a small building to open a meat market and bakery and donating some money to his church. He advised fellow players: “If you win, do good things with the money—not just for yourself but for other people too. Always remember to give back.”

For selling the winning ticket, the Mobil will receive a one percent bonus of $10,000.

This year alone has seen over 10.7 million Illinois Lottery scratch-off tickets sold with players winning more than $279 million in prizes.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The Illinois Lottery offers tools and resources for positive play and encourages those struggling with gambling issues to seek help by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.

The Illinois Lottery supports K-12 public education through contributions to the State’s Common School Fund since its founding in 1974.