“When I realized I won a quarter of a million dollars, I started planning how I will start my own graphic design business. I’m so excited to be able to fulfill my dream,” Ajahn Batty said when he presented his winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket at the Illinois Lottery Prize Center in Chicago. The Merrillville, Indiana resident won a $250,000 jackpot when his $1 Lucky Day Lotto Quick Pick ticket matched all five numbers – 06 – 11 – 25 – 33 – 42 – in the May 31 evening drawing.

Batty, 22, works for a pharmacy in Schererville and has lived most of his life in Indiana. In addition to starting his own business, he plans to use the windfall to buy a house. When asked if he had any advice for others he said, “You have to play to win!” An occasional Lucky Day Lotto player, Batty bought his winning ticket at Lan-Oak Liquors, 18052 Torrence Avenue in Lansing. The retailer received a $2,500 bonus, equal to 1 percent of the prize amount, for selling the winning ticket. Lucky Day Lotto drawings are twice a day, seven days a week. For more information, please visit illinoislottery.com.