Published on January 16, 2026 9:27 am
Last Updated on January 16, 2026 9:30 am
PHOTO: The Illinois Lottery winner, celebrating her big win of the #3 million top prize on a scratch-off ticket.
A Vandalia woman is still reeling after winning a $3 million top prize on the Illinois Lottery’s $30 Royal Riches scratch-off ticket—thanks to a last-minute change in plans on Christmas Eve.
The winner, who chose to remain anonymous, said she originally planned to purchase a ticket at another retailer, but the store was closed for the holiday.
“I was going to stop at another gas station, but it was closed for Christmas Eve,” she said. “Phillips was the only place open, so I decided to go there instead.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Phillips 66, located at 701 Veterans Ave. in Vandalia. A Vandalia native, the winner was visiting family in her hometown when she purchased several scratch-off tickets, sharing some with her son and mother.
“I kept the $30 ticket for myself,” she said. “I really liked the design.”
“When I scanned the ticket at the store, I honestly thought the machine was broken—until I realized I had won $3 million,” the lucky winner said.
The newly minted millionaire plans to use part of her prize to support her family while setting aside the rest for retirement. She also plans to continue running her cleaning business.
“I don’t plan on quitting,” she said with a smile. “I’ll take a family vacation, but I’m still working.”
For selling the winning ticket, the retailer will receive a bonus of one percent of the prize amount, totaling $30,000.
