I scooped $10m lotto prize on a ‘wild hair’ but my decision saw more than half vanish without taking home a dime
A LOTTO player who banked a jaw-dropping $10million only took home half his prize after making a key decision.
Sean McIntosh said he made the impulsive decision to nab a $50 scratch-off card in Maiden, North Carolina on Wednesday.
Not known, clear with picture deskSean McIntosh took home $6million in the $10 Million Spectacular draw after making a key decision[/caption]
The winner purchased the fateful $10 Million Spectacular ticket from Jones Exxon Inc.
“If I get a wild hair to do something, I’m going to listen,” he laughed.
“It was actually the first time I’ve bought a $50 ticket.
“I won $100 earlier on a $5 ticket so I decided to give it a try.”
Sean said he had to scratch his eyes when he discovered he’s scooped the life-changing winnings.
He added: “It’s just been a blur since then.
“When you buy it, you never really expect something like this to actually happen.”
Sean then had a crucial decision to make.
He could either claim the prize as an annuity of $500,000 a year over 20 years or bag a lump sum of $6 million.
Sean opted for the latter.
TWO OPTIONS
Lottery players nationwide have two options when it comes to claiming their winnings.
The winner can opt for several annual installments, typically over the course of 30 years, so the money comes in over an extended period.
Others, like McIntosh, can choose a one-time lump sum payment, where the victor can scoop their money immediately.
However, a significant amount will be shaved off.
WINNING WOES
In other lottery news, a player said he trusted his gut decision and ended up $2 million richer.
Donnie Leviner, hailing from Laurinburg, North Carolina, near the state border with South Carolina, shared the reasoning behind his fateful lottery selection.
At just 18 years old, Leviner impulsively purchased a $20 Big Cash Payout ticket, as reported by the NC Education Lottery.
Following his win, Leviner visited the state’s lottery office to collect his prize.
However, an important decision regarding payment options resulted in him receiving less than half of his jackpot.
Lottery players are presented with the choice between a lump sum or annuity payments spread over 20 years.
Opting for the one-time payment of $1.2 million, Leviner’s final take-home amount dwindled to $858,006 after deductions for state and federal taxes.
In other Powerball news, a 46-year-old winner has said that he will be using his money to help battle his cancer after having reached billionaire status.
And seven people have been crowned lottery winners, with one winning $2.6 million playing the Powerball.
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.
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