Is this the lucky player who won the Mega Millions $1.33 billion jackpot?
/
Since Illinois is one of the states that allow you to be anonymous when you win the lottery there, it could be a while - if ever - before we know who won the $1.33 billion Mega Millions draw. But there’s a new development…
The jackpot was sold at a Speedway gas station outside Chicago, Illinois, and rumors going around say it might be an American Airlines attendant.
The Speedway gas station in Des Plaines where the winning $1.33 billion Mega Millions ticket was sold.
Here’s why. The gas station is in Des Plaines, Illinois, population 60,000.
This station is located right near O'Hare international airport, and one rumor making the rounds is that the winner is an American Airlines flight attendant.
Mayor of Des Plaines, Andrew Goczkowski, says there are rumors about the Mega Millions winner. PHOTO: Inside Edition screenshot
The mayor of Des Plaines, Andrew Goczkowski, heard the story.
He said, “I did hear a rumor that it was someone that works at O'Hare (airport) who works in TSA or the baggage claim area, who apparently walked off their job.”
The mayor said there was some speculation that it could have been someone who no longer needed that job.
Des Plaines, pop. 60,000. Does the Mega Millions winner reside somewhere here?
But the fact that the gas station is located so close to the airport means the winner could have come from just about anywhere.
However, whoever won, experts say the very first thing you should do with the winning ticket is to actually take a selfie with the ticket.
That way if you lose the ticket you have evidence you won.
Sign the ticket and then put it in the safety deposit box - or someplace that's very secure where nobody else can get to it - until you're ready to redeem the ticket.
Lottery lawyer Walt Blenner was interviewed by Fox Wilmington. PHOTO: Inside Edition screenshot
Lottery expert and lawyer Walt Blenner told Fox Wilmington that winners should stay out of the limelight until they put together a team of advisors. He said that should include a good lawyer, accountant, tax attorney and a wealth manager.
Other tips he suggested winners should do:
Make a list of financial goals.
Change phone numbers to avoid unwanted calls.
Set up a P.O. Box for redirecting mail.
Blenner said that winners should also consider shutting down or making their social media accounts private so people cannot find them online.
Lottery winners should close their social media accounts to stay anonymous.
Blenner also gives detailed advice on his website about what winners should think about after they won:
Should they take the annual payment or get the lump sum and invest the money all at once?
How much will they owe in taxes?
Should they take the money in their name, or open up a corporation or trust?
How do winners shield themselves from friends and family with financial needs?
Is there anything lottery winners should do in advance of getting their lottery check?
How much can they use for day-to-day expenses, and how much should I save for retirement?
So far as anyone knows, the case of the winning $1.33 billion Mega Millions lottery winner remains a mystery!
