Retired McHenry man wins $10,000 from new Illinois Lottery game

A retired Illinois Lottery player from McHenry won $10,000 on a new gambling game recommended by a Family Food Mart employee, according to a news release.

The player, who told his story to the Illinois Lottery anonymously, said he hasn’t told anyone aside from the retailer about his win.

“I was at the store where I usually buy my Pick 3 and scratchers, and they told me I should try this new game,” he said in the release. “I decided to play, and out came this slip of paper. When I looked at it, I almost couldn’t believe it. I thought to myself, ‘This is the first time I have played this game, and I’ve just won $10,000.’ I was really happy.”

The winning Fast Play ticket was sold at Family Food Mart, 810 N. Front St., McHenry. The $10,000 prize was the top prize on the “Hot Dice” Fast Play game.

The player has continued to both play and win Illinois Lottery games since hitting it big with his most recent win.

“I bought an instant ticket at Jewel this morning and won $500, and earlier this week I won $500 on another instant ticket. I must be on a lucky streak,” he said.

The McHenry man recommended his strategy to keep playing responsibly: “Back in 1998, I put aside some cash to use as my ‘fun money,’ and it goes up and down, but I have never run out from that.”