Lucky Illinois man scores $1.3 million after winning the same lottery draw twice in 15 years

He struck gold twice!
A lucky man from Illinois walked away with $1.3 million after winning the same lottery draw he won 15 years ago, according to the Illinois Lottery.
The Chicagoland local, who has chosen to remain anonymous, told Illinois Lottery officials that he happened to purchase the winning ticket on a whim last month.
“I just stopped by the store for a drink and thought, ‘Why not?,’” the lucky winner recalled. “I played a Quick Pick, and it turned out to be a lucky day.”
The Prairie State resident purchased the lucky ticket at a BP gas station in Oswego, Il. and all five numbers — 1-13-19-27-35 — matched the June 11 Lucky Day Lotto draw.
He walked away with $1.3 million in winnings.
“I didn’t believe it at first — I asked myself, ‘Am I dreaming?’” he said. “Once I scanned the ticket and realized the numbers matched, reality set in.”
The prizewinner said he plans to use his jackpot to purchase a new home for his family and fund his and his wife’s retirement.
“We are just so grateful for this blessing,” he said with a laugh. “I’m sure my kids will be, too.”
The Oswego BP also received a $13,000 bonus — 1% of the total jackpot — for selling the winning ticket, the Illinois Lottery said.
The June 11 draw turned into a case of déjà vu for the lucky winner, who won the same jackpot 15 years ago.
“It’s funny — I actually won a $45,000 prize playing this same game 15 years ago when it was called Little Lotto,” he said.
The Lucky Day Lotto is an Illinois-only twice weekly draw, with jackpots starting at $100,000, according to the press release.