Winning a lottery is a dream many people harbor. The fantasy of a sudden windfall and the freedom it can bring is immensely appealing. Throughout history, there have been numerous record-breaking lottery jackpots, with winners taking home staggering sums of money. But what happens after the win? Let’s take a look at some of the biggest lottery jackpots in history and find out where those fortunate winners are now.
1. Powerball: $1.586 Billion (2016)
In January 2016, the Powerball lottery made headlines worldwide when it reached an unprecedented $1.586 billion. This jackpot was split among three winners from California, Florida, and Tennessee.
California: Marvin and Mae Acosta
Marvin and Mae Acosta of Chino Hills, California, waited several months before claiming their prize. They cited the need for careful financial planning and assembling a team of advisors before stepping into the spotlight. Since their win, the Acostas have maintained a low profile. They are rumored to be involved in various philanthropic activities but have largely stayed away from public attention.
Florida: Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt
The winners from Florida, Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt, initially struggled with their newfound fame. They opted for the lump sum payment of approximately $327.8 million each. Since winning, they have purchased a new home and enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle, though they have kept much of their personal life private.
Tennessee: John and Lisa Robinson
John and Lisa Robinson of Munford, Tennessee, were the most publicly visible of the three winners. They appeared on the Today show to announce their win. The Robinsons took a lump sum payment of $327.8 million and used part of their winnings to purchase a multi-million dollar home. They have continued to live relatively modestly, supporting family and community projects.
2. Mega Millions: $1.537 Billion (2018)
The second-largest lottery jackpot in history was a Mega Millions drawing in October 2018, with a single winning ticket sold in South Carolina.
Anonymous Winner
Unlike many bo togel lottery winners, the South Carolina winner chose to remain anonymous, a right granted by the state. The individual opted for the lump sum payment of $877.8 million. Little is known about their current whereabouts or how they have managed their fortune. However, anonymity has likely afforded them a level of privacy and normalcy that public winners often lack.
3. Mega Millions: $1.050 Billion (2021)
In January 2021, another Mega Millions jackpot reached the billion-dollar mark, with the winning ticket purchased in Michigan.
The Wolverine FLL Club
The winners, a group known as the Wolverine FLL Club, comprised of four members, chose to remain anonymous. They selected the lump sum payment option of $776.6 million. The group has stated they plan to continue working, focusing on charitable endeavors and supporting their community.
4. Powerball: $768.4 Million (2019)
In March 2019, the Powerball jackpot soared to $768.4 million, the third-largest in U.S. history, with a single winning ticket sold in Wisconsin.
Manuel Franco
Manuel Franco, a 24-year-old from West Allis, Wisconsin, claimed the prize. He opted for the lump sum payment of $477 million. Franco expressed his desire to live a normal life despite the windfall. He has kept a relatively low profile, though he has been involved in various charitable activities and investments.
5. Powerball: $758.7 Million (2017)
In August 2017, the Powerball jackpot reached $758.7 million, with a single ticket sold in Massachusetts.
Mavis Wanczyk
Mavis Wanczyk, a hospital worker from Chicopee, Massachusetts, was the lucky winner. She opted for a lump sum payment of $480.5 million. Wanczyk quit her job shortly after winning and has since enjoyed a quieter life. Despite some initial media frenzy, she has largely remained out of the public eye, focusing on her personal well-being and financial security.
6. Mega Millions: $656 Million (2012)
In March 2012, the Mega Millions jackpot hit $656 million, with three winning tickets sold in Illinois, Kansas, and Maryland.
Illinois: The Three Amigos
In Illinois, the winners were a group of three friends who opted to remain anonymous. They chose the lump sum payment and have largely stayed out of the spotlight. The friends reportedly continue to work and live modestly.
Kansas: Anonymous Winner
The Kansas winner also chose to remain anonymous. They took the lump sum payment and have maintained their privacy, with little known about their current status.
Maryland: The “Three Amigos”
In Maryland, the winners were another group of three friends who called themselves “The Three Amigos.” They too opted for anonymity and took the lump sum payment. They have used their winnings to support their families and charitable causes.
7. Powerball: $590.5 Million (2013)
In May 2013, the Powerball jackpot reached $590.5 million, with a single winning ticket sold in Florida.
Gloria Mackenzie
Gloria Mackenzie, an 84-year-old woman from Zephyrhills, Florida, claimed the prize. She chose the lump sum payment of $370.8 million. Mackenzie has used her winnings to improve her living conditions and support her family. She has also been involved in charitable activities, including a significant donation to a local school for repairs.
8. Powerball: $587.5 Million (2012)
In November 2012, the Powerball jackpot hit $587.5 million, with two winning tickets sold in Arizona and Missouri.
Arizona: Matthew Good
Matthew Good from Fountain Hills, Arizona, claimed his share of the prize but opted for privacy. He has kept a low profile and little is known about his current endeavors.
Missouri: Mark and Cindy Hill
Mark and Cindy Hill of Dearborn, Missouri, were the other winners. They have used their winnings to support their community, including funding a new fire station and a scholarship fund. The Hills have continued to live in Dearborn, enjoying a relatively normal life despite their substantial windfall.
Conclusion
Winning a lottery can be a life-changing event, bringing both opportunities and challenges. While some winners have chosen to remain anonymous and live quietly, others have embraced their new-found wealth, using it to support charitable causes and improve their communities. Regardless of their approach, these individuals’ stories remind us of the incredible impact that a sudden influx of wealth can have on one’s life.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
