Today, we delve into the realm of staggering fortunes won and lives forever changed, presenting the ten biggest lottery prize payouts results of all time in the United States.
Brace yourself for a whirlwind tour through unimaginable riches and the humble origins that birthed them.
Top 10 Lottery Winnings Ever:
| Winner | State | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anonymous | South Carolina | 2018 | $878M |
| FLL Wolverine Club | Michigan | 2021 | $778M |
| Anonymous | Illinois | 2022 | $747M |
| The Power Pack | Maryland | 2021 | $547M |
| Scott Godfrey | California | 2017 | $481M |
| Mavis Wancyzk | Massachusetts | 2017 | $481M |
| Manuel Franco | Wisconsin | 2019 | $477M |
| Richard Wahl | New Jersey | 2018 | $378M |
| Gloria McKenzie | Florida | 2013 | $371M |
| Anonymous | New Hampshire | 2018 | $352M |
On that momentous Friday, July 29, the Mega Millions unleashed a staggering $1.28 billion jackpot, forever changing the life of a solitary Illinois suburbanite. The fateful ticket was purchased at a modest gas station in Des Plaines, IL, delivering a lump-sum payout of $747 million—the third-highest ever in the history of lotteries.
Embark on a captivating journey as we explore the stories behind the greatest lottery fortunes ever amassed.
$878 million, Anonymous, South Carolina, 2018
The auspicious ticket was acquired at KC Mart in Simpsonville, S.C., bestowing upon a fortunate individual the staggering $1.5-billion Mega Millions jackpot.
The anonymous winner, known only to lottery officials, revealed a fascinating detail—she allowed another customer to cut ahead of her in line, sealing her destiny.
Surprisingly, despite her act of kindness, her winning quick-pick ticket was still randomly generated. The South Carolina lottery reveled in this tale of serendipity, relishing a $61 million tax windfall for the state.
$778 million, FLL Wolverine Club, Michigan, 2021
A quartet of hopefuls, comprising the FLL Wolverine Club, embarked on a life-altering adventure by securing the $1.05-billion Mega Millions drawing.
Their fortunate ticket was purchased at a humble Kroger in Novi, Mich.
After accounting for state and federal taxes (24% and 4.25% respectively), the final net payment amounted to an awe-inspiring $557 million.
$747 million, Anonymous, Illinois, 2022
Twenty-nine draws passed before destiny smiled upon an unknown player, propelling the jackpot to a staggering $1.28 billion.
The winning ticket emerged from a Speedway gas station, earning the establishment a well-deserved $500,000 prize for facilitating the life-altering transaction.
$547 million, The Power Pack, Maryland, 2021
A group of fortunate souls, known as The Power Pack, seized the moment by opting for the lump sum in the $731-million Powerball windfall.
The Coney Market in Lonaconing, Md., played host to the life-changing ticket sale.
After accounting for federal and state taxes, the net payout to the undisclosed number of participants totaled an impressive $366.6 million.
$496 million, Scott Godfrey, California, 2021
In the $699.8-million drawing, Scott Godfrey became the sole winner, clutching the astonishing lump sum of $496 million.
Godfrey's good fortune originated from an Albertsons store in Morro Bay, Calif.
Notably, California exempts state taxes on lottery prizes, channeling $78 million towards the noble cause of education.
$481 million, Mavis Wancyzk, Massachusetts, 2017
A life-altering sum of $758.7 million in the Powerball drawing made Mavis Wancyzk a millionaire beyond her wildest dreams.
The 53-year-old Massachusetts resident promptly bid farewell to her hospital job with a phone call, confidently announcing her decision.
Following deductions for federal and local taxes, Wancyzk's estimated net payment stood at a remarkable $356 million.
$477 million, Manuel Franco, Wisconsin, 2019
The youngest among the grand winners, 24-year-old Manuel Franco, embarked on his lucky quest by visiting a Speedway gas station in New Berlin, Wis.
With a bank account barely touching $1,000, Franco took a moment to wink at the security camera before altering the course of his life.
Intriguingly, scammers later impersonated Franco via text messages, attempting to trick unsuspecting victims into divulging their bank information under the pretense of sharing in his fortune.
$378 million, Richard Wahl, New Jersey, 2018
Richard Wahl, a 47-year-old production manager, embarked on an awe-inspiring journey as the sole victor of a $533-million Mega Millions jackpot.
Astonished by the value of his ticket, Wahl initially believed he had won $1 million, only to discover an unimaginable $378 million windfall.
After fulfilling state and local tax obligations, Wahl's net winnings were estimated to hover around a colossal $175 million.
$371 million, Gloria McKenzie, Florida, 2013
The oldest winner on our esteemed list, 84-year-old Gloria McKenzie, astutely chose the lump sum over the 30-year payout option in a $590-million Powerball drawing.
Mere chance brought her to a Publix near Tampa, where she confidently secured her ticket.
Following tax deductions, McKenzie's net haul amounted to an impressive $278 million, enabling her to savor the fruits of her victory.
$352 million, Anonymous, New Hampshire, 2018
In a remarkable turn of events, New Hampshire witnessed a change in tradition as winners were previously required to come forward. However, in 2018, the winner of a staggering $559.7-million Powerball jackpot chose the path of anonymity and successfully sued to protect their identity.
This legal battle escalated all the way to the state Supreme Court, ultimately granting the fortunate individual the privilege of privacy.
The lump sum option presented them with a life-altering $352 million, securing their financial future and leaving the public in awe of their anonymous triumph.
Just Missed:
$349 million, Peace of Mind Trust, Pennsylvania, 2021
A captivating tale unfolded when a single-ticket win of $516 million in the Mega Millions drawing was divided among five friends who formed the Peace of Mind Trust.
The winning ticket materialized at a 7-Eleven in Middletown, Pa., sparking joy and transforming their lives forever.
After accounting for state and federal taxes, each of the fortunate five received a net payout of $50.8 million, ushering in a new chapter of prosperity.
As these extraordinary stories of unimaginable wealth and life-changing moments unfold, the allure of the lottery continues to captivate our collective imagination. With each new record-breaking jackpot, dreams are sparked, lives are transformed, and the eternal question lingers: Could you be the next fortunate soul to hold the golden ticket?
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