Unclaimed $349 Million Mega Millions Jackpot in Illinois

• The fortunate individual who won the $349 million Mega Millions prize has yet to come forward in Illinois.
• There’s no rush, as winners often take their time, sometimes waiting months before claiming their prize.
• The Illinois Lottery has reminded the public about the ticket and its purchasing details.

A Mega Millions ticket, sold in Illinois and worth a staggering $349 million, remains unclaimed by its mysterious owner, who has chosen to remain silent about their windfall. Could this mean the winner plans to keep their identity hidden indefinitely?

Strategies for Claiming a Mega Millions Jackpot

The path to claiming a major jackpot can vary. Often, substantial winnings are not immediately claimed, with winners taking their time, sometimes spanning weeks or even months. Some winners may be part of a group, while others might be considering the tax implications and strategizing on how to manage their newfound wealth responsibly.

This $349 million jackpot marks one of the largest lottery wins in Illinois over the past few years. Despite this, the winner or winners have not yet come forward. Since Mega Millions began in the state in 2002, 16 individuals have experienced similar life-changing wins.

Regarding the jackpot’s specifics, the ticket was purchased at Casey’s General Store, located at 70 S. Somonauk Road in Cortland, Illinois, on March 25, 2025. The Illinois Lottery emphasized this in a press statement, serving as a gentle nudge for anyone who might have overlooked their potential fortune.

A Community Abuzz with Excitement

Commenting on the thrilling win, Kim Shaw, the District Manager for Casey’s, expressed: ‘It’s the talk of the town, and the store is still buzzing with excitement. This is the biggest jackpot-winning ticket our store has ever sold. We’re thrilled for the winner, and selfishly, we hope it’s one of our regular customers—keeping the winnings in the community would make it even more special.’

The store itself is also celebrating, as it will receive a $500,000 cash bonus for selling the winning ticket! Meanwhile, the winner or winners have two choices: they can either accept the jackpot as an annuity or opt for a lump sum, which would reduce the total amount to $170 million but provide immediate access to the funds.

If the prize remains unclaimed within 365 days, the funds will be allocated to the Common School Fund and may also support other initiatives organized by the lottery, including future games and prize offerings.