Yesterday's Mega Millions jackpot winner, Metropolitan Transit Authority worker Aubrey Boyce, accepted his $133 million check under the assumed name of Archibald Trust. The fake name stunt was a smart move—too bad Boyce couldn't resist the charm of the press, successfully face planting himself on the cover of every New York tabloid. Hopefully Aubrey has pest control on speed dial because, like so many other lotto winners before him, he can expect a lot of aunts (uncles, cousins, ex-wives, and jump-offs) to crawl out of the woodwork looking for hand-outs.
The truth is, winning the lottery isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sure, you get smothered in enough money to wipe your ass with hundred-dollar bills for the rest of your life, but the problem is most people are unprepared for becoming a multi-millionaire overnight. Some lotto winners blow their winnings on strippers and drugs, others have the cash swindled and stolen. Take a look at infamous examples of when the buck that struck the lotto would've been better spent on a bottle...
ANDREW JACKSON WHITAKER, 2002
AMOUNT WON: $314.9 million
AFTERMATH: The largest jackpot winner in history, Jackson watched his life turn to shambles after his enormous winning. Whittaker was robbed several times, including once for $500,000 after leaving a swanky strip club. Things got even worse as Whittaker became a heavy drinker and eventually divorced his wife.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WILLIAM "BUD" POST, 1988
AMOUNT WON: $16.2 million
AFTERMATH: Things went to shit real quick for Bud. Within two years of winning the lottery, Post would be sued by his girlfriend for a share of the money, have his brother arrested for hiring a hit man to kill him in hopes of getting the loot, and would even do a stretch in jail. Post now lives alone on food stamps. Talk about a family feud.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JEFFREY DAMPIER, 2005
AMOUNT WON: $20 million
AFTERMATH: It's common knowledge that nobody likes their in-laws. But Jeffrey Dampier's sister-in-law took it to a whole new level when she kidnapped and murdered Dampier in hopes of claiming his winnings.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WILLIE HURT, 1989
AMOUNT WON: $3.1 million
AFTERMATH: True to his name, Willie spent his winnings getting hurt. Two years after hitting the lotto, Willie somehow found himself charged with murder after blowing millions on crack and a divorce.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EVELYN ADAMS, 1986
AMOUNT WON: $5.4 million
AFTERMATH: An obsessive gambler, Evelyn claims she blew all her lottery winnings on slot machines in Atlantic City. It would be one thing if she lost it all in a respectable game like Texas Hold 'Em, or even roulette, but slots? C'mon! Today Adams is broke...and lives in a van down by the river.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARLES RIDDLE, 1975
AMOUNT WON: $1 million
AFTERMATH: After winning his million, Riddle was divorced and later indicted for selling cocaine. Unlike the other people on this list, at least Charles made some type of business investment with his money.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KENNETH PARKER, 2003
AMOUNT WON: $25 million
AFTERMATH: Not long after winning the lottery, Kenneth and his wife Connie filed for divorce after 16 years of marriage. This might be the first time in history that money turned a woman off.
ezmac July 30th, 2009 at 06:04 PM
LOL @ van down by the river
Doogie howser July 31st, 2009 at 11:06 AM
FYI a trust is a legal entity designed to protect the indiviual and their assets from Law suits and litigation
DAzz August 7th, 2009 at 12:34 AM
hahaha, if i really wanted a photo souvenir holding my lotto check, I'd get suited as batman with face mask, or painted as the joker/clown. everyone can tell who you are when just wearing ray-ban sunglasses.
The Ghost of Jack Whittaker January 23rd, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Actually, It's been awhile since any disasters have befallen a lottery winner. Not counting the guy in Florida who vaporized last year. Seems the local sheriff is just now getting around to figuring out the guy is gone. You'd think with all of the taxes the guy had paid that at least the sheriff would try and find him sooner than 9 months. The big problem here is that most states require you to give name, rank and serial number when you win. Because of that you have no chance to hide, and you instantly become as popular as a guy with tight pants and six pairs of rolled up tub socks in his crotch at an all girl strip night. Virginia, probably, is the worst and has actually rejected attempts to change state lottery rules and at least allow you to collect via a trust. Winners over 1m need the choice to claim via a trust or not using their name. If your nuts and want the world to know you won, you should have that right as well. But I really believe the logic used to make names public (and have a required photo op and presser, again thanks Virginia) is crazy. As the guy in Florida proved, it doesn't take much for bad guys to smoke you out when you win. The logic that people won't trust a lottery unless the winners are ID' and then forced to be used in PR is bull. Yet, that's the logic which is being used across the nation to make sure winners become continued targets. Until the people demand a change, and lobby their own states to change the rules, winners will continue to have hard times dealing not only with the moneyh, but with the people trying to remove them from it.
Gena May 15th, 2010 at 04:23 PM
If you are a big lottery winner make a plan before you even pick up the check, hire a lawyer and he will recommend a finacial planner and make up a trust to accept the money.
Brewster Pryor September 6th, 2010 at 09:42 AM
I'm sorry, but these people are absolutely stupid. Are you kidding me? I wont go over what you should do, that's obvious. But these people are morons who deserved to ose the money given to them by such providence. What brainlessness. Brewster Pryor
chinachen April 20th, 2011 at 03:14 AM
http://fundedscholarship.com/lecturer-in-water-wastewater-infrastructure-or-utility-engineering-water-and-environmental-engineering.html
chinachen April 20th, 2011 at 03:15 AM
Christian Louboutin Very Prive Peep-Toe Shoes Black,Up to 95% OFF! Christian Louboutin Very Prive Peep-Toe Shoes Black Black leather. Peep toe. Covered platform. 4 7/10" stiletto heel. Signature red sole. Made in Italy,100% Best Quality and Lowest Price Guarantee! If you feel interested in the Christian Louboutin Very Prive Peep Toe Shoes Black,you can order Christian Louboutin Very Prive Peep-Toe Shoes.Whether you want to look stunningly beautiful at party or want to be a stylish lady at work, these Christian Louboutin boots can actually turn a simple going everyday girl to an exceptionally gorgeous lady.
lotto April 23rd, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Good web site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I've subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day!