Single ticket wins near-record $1.3 billion jackpot in Illinois

One ticket-holder last night scored a near-record take in the national Mega Millions lottery, taking home a $1.3 billion prize, the first time the lotto has been swept since the spring. 

The ticket-holder, who has yet to be identified, purchased the winning numbers in Des Plaines, near Chicago, at a Speedway convenience store, lotto officials said. 

"We have not heard from the winner yet," Illinois Lottery Director Harold Mays told reporters. "We don't know whether they even know that they won a prize. So I encourage everybody to check your ticket."

The winner can opt to take a lump-sum payment of nearly $800 million or else have it paid out in installments over 30 years. 

The Speedway at which the ticket was sold, meanwhile, will receive $500,000.