Lotto Storie: $336M Mega Millions, Aug.2009
James “Jimmy” Groves was no stranger to New York’s Mega Millions game. The 49-year-old grandfather had been playing at the Mega Million lottery since May 2002. His loyalty paid off 7 years later, as the former Madison Square Garden employee accepted his 50 percent share of a $336M jackpot.
Madison Square Garden laborer says It feels great! I’m going to Disney World!. But after some consideration, the winner admitted: It’s a dream turned into a nightmare. Winning is the beginning. Living with it is pure hell. I know people say, ‘Give me that hell.’ Be careful what you wish for – you just might get it. He said that since telling family and pals he won, he’s been fielding up to 40 calls each morning from friends, acquaintances and others begging for cash.
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As a result of choosing the annuity, Groves received his $168,000,000 prize in 26 gross annual payments totaling more than $6,400,000 each. He receives an annual net check totaling just over $4,000,000 through 2035.
This time, the odds of winning the drawing were about 1 in 176 million.
The other half of the incredible $336M jackpot was won by Kevyn Ogawa from San Gabriel, California. The winner claimed his prize in Van Nuys. He took the cash option, so his winnings totaled $107 million. He had bought his ticket from an Asian noodle shop in San Gabriel.
Ogawa declined to be interviewed about his win, the lottery said, while the Los Angeles Times reported he is a 33-year-old resident of the San Fernando Valley.
The noodle shop that sold lottery ticket basks in the rich broth of fame. The shop is best known for its simple and affordable fare. A bowl of noodles goes for less than $5. But after Kevyn purchased the winning lottery ticket there, the restaurant became an instant landmark. Hungry? I’ll take $166M with those noodles, thank you!
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