ROCKFORD, Ill. — A Rockford convenience store has sold a $10 million winning ticket from the Illinois Lottery’s “$10,000,000 Bankroll” scratch-off game, creating a wave of excitement in the local community.
The ticket was purchased at Stop N Shop, located at 2501 North Huffman Boulevard. Store manager Raj Patel was thrilled by the news.
“We’ve sold a few big winning tickets before, from $100,000 to $900,000,” said Patel. “I kept saying the next one had to be a million-dollar winner. But I never expected $10 million!”
This is the first top prize claimed in the Bankroll game, which launched in November. Two more $10 million prizes and 15 prizes of $1 million are still unclaimed.
Patel, whose family has run the store for more than 25 years, said the win has energized the neighborhood.
“Our customers are excited,” he said. “It’s proof that life-changing prizes really can be won at a local shop like ours.”
The winner’s identity remains a mystery.
“We know most of our customers by name,” Patel said. “It’s surprising we haven’t figured out who it is yet. Hopefully they’ll stop by and share the good news soon.”
As the retailer, Stop N Shop will receive a $100,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. Patel said part of the money will go toward thanking employees and upgrading the store.
“We’re planning to give back to our staff and host a celebration this summer to thank our loyal customers,” he said.
So far this year, the Illinois Lottery has paid out more than $568 million in instant ticket prizes, with over 21.5 million winners.
Lottery officials remind winners to sign the back of their tickets and keep them in a safe place until claiming.
