Des Plaines Man Wins $350K Jackpot on Quick Pick Ticket

DES PLAINES, IL - Keith Emrikson has lived in Des Plaines for 30 years but just began playing the Illinois Lottery's "Lucky Day Lotto" game a few months ago after reading about several recent winners in his area.

So it might have been beginner's luck when Emrikson himself claimed a $350,000 prize for matching all five numbers on the Friday, Dec. 30 evening drawing.

Emrikson only spent $1 on the Quick Pick ticket that had 06, 15, 17, 36 and 37. He took home the game's jackpot on a drawing that saw more than 18,000 other players winning prizes from $1 to $200.

“What a great way to start the New Year!” said Emrikson, who plans to get financial advice with his wife on how to invest the windfall.

“We’ll also spend some on a nice vacation," he added.

Emrikson bought the winning ticket at a Starks Corner BP in Hampshire while he stopped for gas en route to a dog agility competition in Huntley.