Suburban Man Wins $250K Prize Days Before His Birthday

Anthony Curtis, of Homer Glen, won the grand prize on a Crossword scratch-off instant ticket

There’s no better way to celebrate your birthday than by winning the lottery.

Just days before his birthday, Anthony Curtis, 58, of Homer Glen, won $250,000 on a Crossword game scratch-off instant ticket, according to a statement from the Illinois Lottery. He purchased the ticket at Danny’s Market Place in suburban Blue Island, lottery officials said.

“I bought this ticket a few days before my birthday. This is definitely the best present ever!” Curtis said. 

Curtis has lived in Homer Glen for 20 years working as a mechanic. He scratched off the Crossword ticket as he was drinking a cup of coffee and was in complete shock.

“I almost knocked over my coffee when I realized I won!” Curtis said.

For selling the winning ticket, Danny’s Market Place received one percent of the prize amount, or $2,500.

Curtis plans to use the money to pay off his bills and then he wants to save the remainder. 

Of 56 $250,000 prizes available, 11 have not yet been claimed, the lottery said. 

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