Would one more ticket improve our odds? Is there a better set of numbers to play? Why do hotel maids and ditch-diggers always seem to win? Do these thoughts hound you when you here some lucky skunk winning a jackpot worth millions. Some experts said that if you’re playing because you think you’re gonna get rich, then don’t play. Now that’s gibberish. We all buy Lottery tickets to become rich, don’t we? Even as statistics show that you’ll have a better chance of getting struck by lightning twice than winning the Millions, we bring to you the top four winners in United States Lottery history –
1) $365 million – On February 18, 2006, the jackpot worth $365 million was won by a single ticket sold in Lincoln, Nebraska. That single ticket was shared by eight meat plant workers in Nebraska. (Why did I stick to my job here……I could have worked at the plant too and been a part of this history. Only if I could see the future!)
2) $340 million – A grand prize won on October 19, 2005, worth $340 million was awarded to the West family in Jacksonville, Oregon. The family won less than two months after the rules were changed to promote larger payouts. Steve West, who purchased the ticket, put in $20 for tickets, along with another $20 from his in-laws. The family planned to split the prize among them.
3) $314 million
Prior to the $340 million winners, Jack Whittaker of West Virginia was the claimant to the biggest jackpot. He won $314 million on Christmas Day, 2002.
4) $295 million
On July 29, 1998, a jackpot worth $295 million was won by 13 machinists. This held the world record for the largest jackpot for two years.
In short, there are two golden rules, say those who have studied lottery players: Play only if you can afford it, and play only for fun.
