Lockport Man Wins $1 Million While Watching Chicago Cubs Game

LOCKPORT, IL — Lockport resident Rick Kempke was at home watching a Cubs game when he scratched an Illinois Lottery $300,000,000 Cash Spectacular ticket and instantly won $1 million.

“I can’t believe it! I’m a huge Cubs fan and now that I won the lottery, I might buy a ticket for tomorrow night’s game!" he said while cashing in his ticket.

Kempke, 56, has lived in Lockport all his life. He retired after working 25 years for the Environmental Protection Agency in Willowbrook. When asked about plans for his windfall he said he will buy a new car right away.

“I really need a new car because mine is 16 years old and not very reliable.”

He also plans to buy a house. He opted to receive his prize as a one-time payment of $600,000 (less required withholding).

An occasional lottery player, Kempke said he buys one or two tickets each week. He bought his $1 million-winning $300,000,000 Cash Spectacular ticket at Speedway, 314 S. State St., in Lockport. Speedway received a bonus of $10,000, equal to one percent of the prize amount, for selling the winning ticket. $300,000,000 Cash Spectacular is a $10 instant ticket that offers $300,000,000 in prizes.

Of the 35 top prizes of $1 million available to be won, 17 have not yet been claimed. For more information, please visit illinoislottery.com.

Photo courtesy of Illinois Lottery

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