Some people host friends and family for a New Year’s Eve bash.
Others head to the bar to inevitably skip the gym on January 1, fresh off a resolution to get back in shape.
But one Illinois resident will have an entirely unique NYE experience to bring in 2022.
Linda Perkins is one of five contestants in Powerball’s First Millionaire of the Year promotion, with the chance to win $1 million right after midnight.
The winner’s name will be drawn live on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2022.
Illinois’ lone representative
The Aurora resident was randomly drawn from a preliminary pool of lottery players from 29 states.
Perkins will go up against fellow finalists hailing from Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and two Iowa residents.
Understandably so, the Illinoisan admitted her emotions will get the best of her if her name is called during the broadcast.
“I would scream, I would cry, and I would probably pass out!” Perkins said.
Perkins added:
“I learned that I won from an email in the middle of my workday so I was really shocked. I can’t believe it, I’m still having a hard time believing this – I’m in total shock.”
Four losers won’t go home empty-handed
Each finalist will walk away with some money in their pocket and a few other perks to make the viewing experience special.
Contestants have already won a $10,000 cash prize, a party package that includes a 70-inch television, a karaoke system, $500 to spend at Party City, a laptop, and a deluxe dinner for eight.
Perkins will even get the chance for some air time during the broadcast when country artist Jesse James Decker checks in live with each contestant before the winner is called.
Perkins was honest in saying she normally does her best to stay up when midnight rolls around. But this year, she wouldn’t be able to hit the hay even if she tried:
“I normally try my best every year to stay awake past midnight, at least until the countdown, but I always seem to fall asleep about five minutes before. This year, I think I’ll be wide awake!”
Illinois launches Fast Play lottery games online
Illinois also made headlines recently for being a pioneer of sorts in mobile lottery offerings.
You can now play Fast Play lottery games on your mobile device in the Land of Lincoln. Games include Piggy Bank Bucks, Hot Dice, Blackjack, Illinois Jackpot and Quickspot.
Illinois is the first state to offer Fast Play games online.
Harold Mays, Illinois Lottery Acting Director, said in a statement:
“We’re excited to offer our players the ability to play Fast Play whenever and wherever they want. By modernizing the way we deliver our products, we provide convenience for players while also strengthening our ability to continue generating essential funding for education and good causes across Illinois.”
Illinoisans can play now using the Illinois Lottery app.
