AFTER scoring a $1 million lottery jackpot, over 30% was immediately taken away.
The Florida lottery winner, Charles Grissett, spent $30 at Publix on a FLORIDA 300X THE CASH Scratch-Off game.
Grissett beat the game’s overall odds of 1-in-2.93 by winning the $1 million prize – but he didn’t get to keep all of it.
This is all because of how players choose to collect their payments.
Winners have two options: the annuity or lump sum.
An annuity is a set of yearly payments, while a lump sum doles out the money all at once.
The lump sum takes tons of cash upfront due to taxes and other withholdings, but experts consider it the more careful option.
Because Grissett chose the lump sum option, he only took home $695,500 due to taxes.
This means $305,000 was taken from his original winnings.
As of October 22, 2024, there are still two top prizes remaining.
FLORIDA 300X THE CASH GAME
The scratch-off lottery game started back in 2022 and has a top prize of $15 million.
To play, those who match any of your numbers to any of the winning numbers will win the prize shown for that number.
Those who scratch off a “5x,” “10x,” “20x,” “50x,” “100x,” or “300x” symbol will win 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 or 300 times the prize shown for that symbol.
For a bonus win, just match any of the winning numbers to any of the bonus spot numbers and win $100, $200 or $500.
CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
Winners are urged to sign the back of their tickets to ensure that no one can steal their prize.
Every winning ticket has an expiration date so make sure to check your tickets.
Top lottery winners in the US
Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in US lottery history.
- Edwin Castro – $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 8, 2022, in California.
- Theodorus Struyck – $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023, in California.
- Unknown winner – $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023, in Florida.
- Marvin and Mae Acosta from Los Angeles, California, John and Lisa Robinson from Munford, Tennessee, and Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt from Melbourne Beach, Florida – $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016.
- Unknown winner – $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018, from South Carolina.
- Unknown winner – he sued the mother of his child to keep his identity hidden – $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023, from Maine.
- Unknown winner – $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, from Illinois.
- Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, and Laiza Liem Chao – $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, from Oregon.
- Yanira Alvarez – $1.08 billion Powerball, July 19, 2023 in California.
- Wolverine FLL Lottery Club – $1.05 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 22, 2021, from Michigan.
- Unknown winner – $842.4 million Powerball, Jan. 1, 2024, from Michigan.
Scratch-off winners have within 60 days after the end of the game to claim prizes.
Meanwhile, draw game winners must claim theirs within 180 days after the draw date.
Those who won $600 or more, will need the following documentation and identification:
- Winner claim form
- Identification like driver’s license or passport
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling online.
