Big Win (Part 1)
It is likely that most lottery players from time to time dream of what it will be like when they finally get that big win. Maybe they dream of quiting their job, moving to a new home, paying off the bills, starting their own business, traveling the world or simply sharing their good fortune with others. It is also likely that very few lottery players dream of the problems and dangers that will arise following the big win. At Oklahoma Lottery News we have considered these issues and are sharing our thoughts and opinions in this series.
Lotteries thrive on publicity involving big winners. Lottery jackpot winners are usually paraded out to be handed an over-size and fake check for their winnings while both video and still cameras preserve the moment for posterity and, of course, for publicity purposes.
The news media will print and broadcast the name and hometown of the big winner and often include details about their job, their family members, where they bought the winning ticket and other ‘human interest’ information. The lotteries stage these “dog and pony shows” to publicize the lottery and entice others to go for the next big jackpot and it is difficult to avoid them and still claim one’s winnings.
Unfortunately all the publicity that goes with the big win also creates problems including:
(1) long lost or often unheard of ‘relatives’ suddenly surfacing hoping to ‘cash in’
(2) acquaintances unheard of in years or decades surfacing for the same reason
(3) numerous people with hard luck stories desperate for ‘just a little help’
(4) co-workers, neighbors and friends all asking for ‘just a little help’
(5) unscrupulous con-men and women seeking investors in their latest scheme
(6) unscrupulous lawyers and investment counselors seeking a gullible client
(7) unscrupulous and fake charities seeking contributions
The above are not all of the problems that plague big lottery winners, just some of the most common.
Then there is the matter of the dangers that come with a highly publicized big win and instant millionaire status. Winners and their family members become targets for all sorts of criminals including:
(1) Kidnappers that abduct and hold the family members for ransom
(2) Armed robbers and home invaders that attack demanding money
(3) Extortionists that attempt blackmail against the winner or family members
(4) Burglars seeking expensive items purchased with lottery winnings
(5) Malcontents angered by the winner’s good fortune and their lack of same
The above are not all of the dangers that confront big lottery winners, just some of the most frightening and unfortunately overlooked in the rush to fame and fortune.
The next time one dreams of that big win playing the lottery they might want to set aside some time to consider the many implications that come with that big win. All of the problems and dangers enumerated above can and should be considered by anyone playing the lottery and hoping/dreaming of winning big. Part 2 of this article provides some food for thought on how to go about doing just that.