A Powerball ticket sold at a gas station in western Illinois has claimed the $1bn jackpot, breaking a three-month streak without a top-prize victor. Illinois Lottery officials confirmed the winning ticket was bought on Wednesday night at a Hy-Vee station in Quincy, located approximately 100 miles west of Springfield.
The winning numbers were 4-26-66-67-69, with the Powerball number 9. The $1.04bn grand prize ranks as the eighth largest in Powerball history, according to game organisers.
The winner has the option of receiving the prize as a $1bn annuity paid over 29 years or a lump-sum payment of $450.5m. It is not yet known if the winner has come forward.