The United States has a long history of lotteries, with many states offering their own versions of the game. While the odds of winning a jackpot are typically very low, there have been many lucky individuals who have managed to beat the odds and win big. Here are 10 notable lottery jackpot winners in the United States:
- Mavis Wanczyk: In 2017, Mavis Wanczyk of Massachusetts won a Powerball jackpot worth $758 million, the largest single-ticket lottery prize in U.S. history at the time.
- Gloria MacKenzie: In 2013, Gloria MacKenzie of Florida won a Powerball jackpot worth $590 million, making her the largest sole winner of a lottery jackpot in U.S. history at the time.
- Pedro Quezada: In 2013, Pedro Quezada of New Jersey won a Powerball jackpot worth $338 million, the fourth-largest lottery prize in U.S. history at the time.
- Merle and Patricia Butler: In 2012, Merle and Patricia Butler of Illinois won a Mega Millions jackpot worth $656 million, the largest lottery prize in U.S. history at the time.
- David and Erica Harrig: In 2018, David and Erica Harrig of Missouri won a Mega Millions jackpot worth $218 million.
- Richard Lustig: Richard Lustig, a resident of Florida, won the lottery seven times and reportedly earned over $1 million in total winnings.
- John and Lisa Robinson: In 2016, John and Lisa Robinson of Tennessee won a Powerball jackpot worth $528 million.
- Cindy and Mark Hill: In 2012, Cindy and Mark Hill of Missouri won a Powerball jackpot worth $293 million.
- Robert Bailey: In 2018, Robert Bailey of New York won a Mega Millions jackpot worth $343.9 million.
- Harold and Elaine Messner: In 2000, Harold and Elaine Messner of Pennsylvania won a Powerball jackpot worth $206.9 million.
These lottery winners all experienced life-changing windfalls, but it’s important to remember that winning the lottery is extremely unlikely and should not be relied upon as a source of income or financial planning.