How would you handle winning a Powerball jackpot?

July 20, 2016 Posted by NC Lottery at 11:36 AM

Remember the $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot back in January? Well, the winners who had the third of three "perfect tickets" finally presented it Tuesday at California Lottery headquarters. Marvin and Mae Acosta had the option of claiming their share of the jackpot as a $528.8 million annuity paid out over 29 years. They chose the $327.8 million lump sum.

The other two winners in the Jan. 12 drawing – from Tennessee and Florida – collected their prize money within days of winning. So what took the Acostas so long? According to the L.A. Times, here's an excerpt of what the lucky couple said in a statement:

“We have engaged a team of advisors to educate and guide us through this process so that we can be good stewards of these new resources. While many decisions are still to be made, we have committed nearly all of this new resource to a Trust and to charities that are important to us.”

That's very much in line with what lotteries hope big winners will do to make their good luck last: Get professional advice, come up with a plan for how they want to use their winnings – and enjoy it.

In California, jackpot winners have a year to claim their winnings. Here in North Carolina, all winners in a drawing have 180 days. If you were to win $50,000, $250,000 or the $361 million jackpot, what steps would you take?

60 COMMENTS

7/23/2016 07:51 - jay r.

When I enter instant & scratch ticks , always I'm formed that I will receive an email notification , have not ever been contacted & I've set up notification on my rewards email . What is wrong , on my behalf or lottery? Thank you (still trying for any win bigger than $5 or $10 dolla) NC Lottery
Not sure. Please fill out an online support form for help or call Customer Service. https://www.lucke-zone.com/Help.aspx

7/23/2016 06:10 - Cheryl L.

WDrop to my knees thank the Lord for blessing me with financial freedom. Remain anonymous humble and be a blessing to others when it really counts.

7/23/2016 05:04 - Carol H.

I would help family, friends and charities that really make a difference like St Judes, crisis ministries etc. It would be such a blessing to be able to do for others.

7/23/2016 12:31 - Treston M.

How many tickets have been entered into the second chance drawing for the second drawing of the ultimate millions scratch off game NC Lottery
As of Sunday night, there were 1,117,073 entries into the drawing. Good luck!

7/23/2016 10:32 - raymond g.

been playing for 35 yrs ny too fla never won more than 500 on a scratch off and that was far and in between i wont give up ==== born poor die poor

7/22/2016 06:34 - William A.

I play online and have spent around $200.00 the past month. I have won $12.00 maybe bad luck but at least I saved the gas and time of standing in line. The odds on powerball and Mega millions are terrible anyway. You have a better chance of getting hit in the head with a flying coconut. Six dollars of the winnings came from cash 5.

7/21/2016 07:28 - denise b.

to erie player I'm with u I don't believe for one minute that people hit big online all I received was a dollar here and thereNC Lottery
Whether you choose your own numbers, buy a Quick Pick ticket, play through subscription, buy a ticket at a gas station or a grocery store, in a small town in the mountains or in a big city, you always have the same chance to win a prize as anyone else, any place else. It takes luck no matter what. Good luck to you :)

7/21/2016 03:38 - Allen M.

I'd contact a team of financial attorneys, accountants, etc. and get advice first.

7/21/2016 10:37 - Paul C.

I have yet to hear of anybody winning any prize via the on-line subscriptions that can be purchased online via this website. It makes me think that the only way to win must be through actually purchasing a ticket through a gas station / grocery store. Does anybody else see this as I do? Has anybody else thought this also?? PaulNC Lottery
We've had a $20,000 Powerball winner and a $15,000 Mega Millions winner through subscription purchases. It's not easier or harder to win depending if you buy online or at a store, the odds are always the same. It's just that the number of subscription players is very, very small compared to the vast amount of tickets that are sold in stores. Good luck!

7/21/2016 07:24 - MR. Kenneth R.

I Will thank first GOD THEN BE A BLESSING TO LOTS OF PEOPLE OOOOOOOOOO YEA

7/21/2016 07:20 - diane s.

I would get a mommy makeover yesss! Our first home! I would go back to my home town and help this lady who I'll never forget that gave me a chance(she's in nursing home). I would save our carver center by hosting a big community festival and give to a lot of struggling families. My dad,children,grandchildren, siblings, in-laws(immediate) and a special aunt and uncle as well as my never forgotten church family from back home will be taken care of. That's a lot of money and I don't mind sharing. After that my husband and I would just live a comfortable life??!

7/21/2016 07:17 - annette E.

I would give to my church their share and Then make sure my children and grandchildren were taken care of

7/21/2016 06:22 - Andrea S.

First Off I would hire a "wealth attorney , and a wealth protection investment team ". Then I would take a LOOONG vacation with no information as to where i would be , and plan , or work long distance with my team as to how to make this money last. IF the US dollar hasn't crashed by then LOL!

7/21/2016 06:08 - Ramona H.

Thank God and take care of familt

7/21/2016 06:00 - Chiquita H.

Everyone aspires to do more and to have more. So with a jackpot winning ticket, we would touch the lives of those who feel forgotten. We plan to start an org for young men seeking guidance, this help build a strong foundation for the future generations. God knows what is in our hearts, so I trust and believe that our time will come.

7/21/2016 04:02 - Gary C.

First of all DO NOT GO ON A SPENDING SPREE. Take time to think about your priorities for taking care of yourself and family. Get financial and legal advice as this is a whole different ball game. A conservative return of 5% on a million dollars is $50,000 BEFORE taxes just to put it in perspective. Lastly learn how to say no to people, especially those you do not know.

7/21/2016 02:12 - charles m.

Im gonna set up trust accounts And investment acounts prior to Claiming my winnings with my Attorneys.

7/21/2016 12:38 - Omara S.

First, I'd Thank God. Give my tithes to 3 different churches of my choice. I'd get homeless ppl and families back on their feet and provide them with jobs. Let's just say, I'll help a lot of people. Ready for my luck to strike. Fingers are crossed... Ready to WIN BIG!!!

7/21/2016 12:13 - denise b.

all those 3 dollar scratch offs are rip off that's why no money on them expecially the bingo to

7/20/2016 11:58 - Christina C.

I wish NC was among the few states who gave Lottery anonymity, especially to the press. I don't care about legalities & taxes just press wise. What we would do; is pay off ALL debts, set aside a nice chunk for our childs college fund, build our dream home, get both of us NEW paid in full cars, & then go from there investing & spending it wisely on what we need & not what we want(well maybe a little of what we want lol).

7/20/2016 11:51 - Keonte H.

I would change lives..

7/20/2016 11:32 - tonya h.

First of all it will be God's grace I will buy my kids a new house donate to my church and to my favorite cancer fund Splurge a little bit

7/20/2016 11:04 - Willie B.

I would help my family reunion.

7/20/2016 10:19 - Willie A.

Do a Trust for my family

7/20/2016 10:08 - jamel D.

I would take care of my family and try to make a difference in our communities

7/20/2016 10:07 - banava M.

There's several things that would happen. I would have a will drawn up . give back to the crisis ministry here in nc. Also have individual checks made out to family members. Donate to local shelters .lastly start my own business

7/20/2016 09:57 - Brenda B.

My comments are never posted

7/20/2016 09:48 - Sharon L.

First of all, thank the Father for my blessing...ten percent to my church...settle my elderly parents...pay off mortgage and vehicle...outstanding debts...take care of grand children future educations. Invest the rest....live off earnings. Buy a motor home and travel the country!

7/20/2016 09:32 - jackie k.

I would think the Lord for blessing me With much more than I deserve

7/20/2016 09:08 - Vadim S.

I would crumble at the sight of the matching numbers then devise a plan to use the money to grow and to help anyone whether through charity or donations because there are so many less fortunate that don't get the acknowledgment they deserve. I wouldn't deserve to have 70% of the winnings so I would definitely use my days of claim to figure out a highly beneficial plan for my family and others. I would over time help people with their worry of financial stability. Money isn't happiness but it can provide more freedom which people use as their happiness with family or with loved ones.

7/20/2016 08:56 - Elaine R.

Has anyone won a big $ prize from an online purchase? The only winners I've seen are tickets that were purchased at stores... Just curiousNC Lottery
We've had a $20,000 Powerball winner and a $15,000 Mega Millions winner through subscription purchases. It's not easier or harder to win depending if you buy online or at a store, the odds are always the same. It's just that the number of subscription players is very, very small compared to the vast amount of tickets that are sold in stores. Good luck!

7/20/2016 08:45 - Myrtle L.

California, should have to pay taxes()I would open a spa do some traveling and make hopefully some good investments.

7/20/2016 08:45 - Antoinette T.

I would set aside college funds for my five daughters. My husband and I would buy our first home in our favorite neigborhood in our city go on a family trip since we haven't had the luxury of doing. Start the business I dream of buying and renting houses in Charlotte and a coffee house on the south east side of Charlotte nothing too grand just use the money as a tool to empower my community but would certainly have an advisor. Smart money is ALWAYS THE BEST MONEY. blessings to everyone playing

7/20/2016 08:12 - Matt V.

I would cry being I have no luck it seems and would tear up being so happy and help the ones I love in need and others in need too

7/20/2016 08:06 - Alvin W.

God would come first, hopefully our church would accept 20%--some Baptists believe this is gambling, then St. Judes hospital for children some other charities we donate to---veterans then family and friends and then it's our time, I don't think we would take a vacation, my wife is disabled and would rather stay home, maybe a short trip somewhere close by. Then I would get her a beautiful diamond--I couldn't afford one at the time and I think she is a diamond.

7/20/2016 07:50 - Kathleen Alicia S.

I have a LOT of wonderful ideas- I would help MANY people- but I'm not going to get too deep into the "dreams" I'm in, my same numbers EVERY drawing- I have great ideas but won't allow myself to live in the "Ifs". #1 thing would be to get my sister out of he black mold ridden house that is falling down around her. Then I have Many places like the retired dentist that volunteers his time and money here in Currituck NC, that I would make a HUGE donation to. The homeless shelter that I lived in over 20 years ago. . . Yes, big donation. And so on.

7/20/2016 07:34 - Kimberly S.

I would the happiness person in the world.. I would think the man above.. I would set up trust funds.. Help family & friends.I would get surgery so i can have kids. I would donate to my favorite charity's. I would buy everything i need.

7/20/2016 07:33 - Leonard H.

When I win first buy a home outright, then a new car after I realize it's real quit my job get an RV and see every corner of the good ol' United States of America

7/20/2016 07:11 - Yolanda H.

Everyone has good intentions and wholeheartedly ideas but if and when you do strike for all those "Millions" don't forget about what your posting?? # #Good Luck To All Tonight!

7/20/2016 07:10 - steven m.

I WOULD PARTY PARTY PARTY

7/20/2016 06:18 - Claudine W.

i would pay off all my debt, start the Nonprofit I've been dreaming of for years, that would help children, disabled, Veterans, etc. because I want to work with many groups, set up a trust and donate earnings of that trust to help start other non-profits and I would do grant a wish foundation every month, to continue to grant wishes for years to come.

7/20/2016 05:06 - Christine R.

To sethwind: you're just jealous! 1. Accountant, attorney & realtor for taxes, trusts, and property. 2. Become debt free (ourselves & family) 3. Trust for helping others. 4. Take the entire family in a cruise. 5. Pay it forward. Take a deep breath and thank the Universe for such good fortune.

7/20/2016 04:56 - Drew C.

First, I would praise FSM for blessing me with his noodley appendages. Then I would thank Dog because the rest of our days will be spent scratching butts and bellies which, of course, is the true meaning of life. Most of the money would go to teaching grammar because people really need that. Oh, and a pirate ship.

7/20/2016 04:46 - Denver G.

ONE CAN ONLY IMAGINE. I might pay some one to hold the big check while I went to the bank to cash the "REAL" one. I would party like it's 1999, then chill with my kids & grand kids. Give 10% to my brother Teamsters at local 71 & local 771. Then fall off the radar.........

7/20/2016 04:42 - bryan h.

Why does nc not let you remain anonymous, like other states do when winning a huge jackpot? You do know that by doing this you cause some families to have to relocate. This is not to smart by you guys.NC Lottery
It's a North Carolina law, not a lottery rule, that some information be made public about who wins lottery prizes as a matter of keeping the public confidence that real people are winning the prizes. Only a handful of states have laws that allow lottery winners to claim anonymously.

7/20/2016 04:38 - Priscilla C.

Invest! Never be anxious about anything, especially spending money!

7/20/2016 04:37 - William A.

Move! How about make NC a non-disclosure state so the winners wouldn't have to be drove crazy the rest of their lives.

7/20/2016 03:39 - Kenneth S.

I would buy my grandson that house he's always talking about

7/20/2016 03:05 - David W.

Supposed Powerball winners Marvin and Mae Acosta are paid actors. So, what are these two really adept liars going to do with their $10,000 acting fee?

7/20/2016 02:30 - lisa p.

Bring back Lottery this new Treasure Hunt is horrible how come all the $3 tickets don't win they're the most fun to play and the least to win but you can't win on them at least with lot area and Slingo you had a chance this new treasure hunt you can't win $3

7/20/2016 01:42 - Shaunda H.

I am going to help my people and others in need as much as I can ...

7/20/2016 01:39 - ALMETA K.

I WOULD FIRST GIVE GOD THE THANK'S AND PRAISE ,AND BLESS MY CHURCH WITH A NICE DONATION OF AT LEST 20%I KNOW HE ONLY ASK FOR [10] ,ALSO HELP MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT ARE NOT AS FORTUNE,AND START MY BUSINESS THAT I HAVE BEEN DWELLIG ON,ALSO HELP THE NEEDED.

7/20/2016 01:15 - Erica F.

I would open up a community center for youth. There are children that only gets a meal when they go to school. When summer time comes and they are out of school, they are hungry and don't know where their next meal is going to come from. I would provide 3 meals a day including snacks for the children. I would also get involved with helping their parents find employment to better their lives as well as their children. We must take care of our children!

7/20/2016 01:00 - Jessica M.

If I was to win the lottery, I would first shed tears, I mean ,it would be a dream come true for me and my family. After the tears, I would then pray and ask God to guide me in what to do with it, who to bless and how to bless them, after giving him his 10% plus. I then would take a vacation, to ease my mind and take time to hear what Im suppose to do. I say this ,with peace. There is many people in my family who could really use the help. May God be with me If and when I win....

7/20/2016 12:45 - robert l c.

I think California is the best for the 1 year ???? from Oreo????!

7/20/2016 12:43 - John M.

We, my wife and I would do as the California couple did. That money would do a lot of good for a lot of people.

7/20/2016 12:43 - romas a.

ilike'what the others did.

7/20/2016 12:41 - Egbert H.

I would share with the less fortinate

7/20/2016 12:20 - David B.

I feel that NC should give a much longer time to claim their prize.!NC Lottery
Among many U.S. lotteries, 180 days - approximately six months - is standard time frame to claim a prize. It's plenty of time to come up with a good plan :-)

7/20/2016 12:19 - Phyllis R.

I would "THANK GOD" first and set aside my 10% to him, take care of myself and my family members, fill the food banks, and set up my foundation where people can come and get help with there light bills, rent and medical bills.I would get my business started.

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July 20, 2016 Posted by NC Lottery at 11:36 AM

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