For the lucky few who have won the lottery, claiming the jackpot can be an emotional and financial rollercoaster. The prize money is often large enough to cause a split in a marriage and a loss of family assets. While it might be fun to spend some of your fortune, it’s important to be careful with your money. A big lottery jackpot can result in a broken relationship and lost wealth. Whether you choose an annuity payment or a lump sum payout will depend on your needs and your preferences.

Hitting the Lottery Jackpot by David Nibert critiques the state’s dependence on the lottery to fund its various industries and public services. He highlights the conflicted role of the state as a gambling promoter. Advertising agencies, TV stations, and ticket vendors all profit from lottery promotions. Less than half of the money wagered on the lotto is returned as prizes. And people of color and lower-income groups tend to lose out more in lotteries than white or Asian lottery winners.

If you win the lottery, it can be tax-free or at least tax-free. The amount of money you’ll get will depend on the lottery’s design. The number of numbers, their order, and how many winning combinations are drawn each week will determine how much you’ll win in the long run. Most lotteries offer a lump sum, which is less than the advertised jackpot before withholdings. Choosing a lump sum can reduce taxes.