There have been allegations of rigged lottery drawings in the past, but there are no solid evidence that shows that one winner was responsible. Recently, the Multi-State Lottery Association’s information security director, Eddie Tipton, pleaded guilty to manipulating lottery software to predict winning numbers on specific days of the year. The pair had rigged jackpots in several states and claimed a combined total of $24 million in cash.
After winning the lottery jackpot, lottery winners must make major life decisions. They must decide whether to remain anonymous or take annual payments. They must decide whether to take a lump sum of the prize money or spread the payout out over several years. If they choose to remain anonymous, they have to consider the legal and tax implications of the money they won. It is best to seek advice from a financial advisor or certified public accountant before making such decisions. In the case of the Mega Millions, they will be required to pay taxes on their prize money, which are estimated to increase to 38 percent in the future.
Many players regard purchasing lottery tickets as a low-risk investment with the potential to win hundreds of millions of dollars. As a result, they contribute billions to government receipts. However, these same lottery players could be saving for their retirement or college education. Small purchases of lottery tickets can add up to thousands of dollars in lost savings. If you’re wondering how the lottery can help you pay off your bills, consider the following: