Powerball Fever: A New Twist In The Tale

A second wave of Powerball hysteria hit the US this week, as a hoax jackpot winner managed to dupe 2 million people into sharing his Facebook photo. As the search continues for the second $580 million Powerball jackpot winner, Nolan Daniels took the opportunity to fake it: The 35-year old from Arizona manipulated a photo of himself holding the winning lottery ticket and posted it with the following message: "Looks like I won't be going to work EVER!!!! Share this photo and I will give a random person 1 million dollars!" And it simply set the online community on fire.

In a matter of days, this image almost became Facebook's most shared image - only beaten by the now iconic photo of Barack Obama embracing his wife after the election results, and images of the last Japanese Tsunami. Dolan's Facebook post drew over 27,000 comments, most of them appeals for the $1 million, he was allegedly donating to charity. Of course, that's all ground to a definite halt now that we know the photo was doctored.

Reliable Lotteries

Not that Nolan Daniels intended, or would have succeeded in trying to claim the jackpot prize. Powerball, coordinated by the Multi-State Lottery Association, has been running since 1988, and has an accurate and reliable method of winner identification, whether you buy online or in person at your local convenience store.

So, as the people of Arizona try to track down the person owed half of the second largest lottery jackpot in US history, the existing winners from Missouri, are trying hard to keep their feet on the ground. Mark and Cindy Hill won $290 million in the Powerball lottery, after the jackpot rolled over 16 consecutive times with no winner. Mark and Cindy, parents of four children, have declared their intention to maintain a sense of normality in their family life - whilst of course indulging in the odd holiday here and there.

Rolling Online Jackpots

Online players will be only too familiar with multi-million jackpots: The progressive jackpot on Mega Moolah slots currently stands at $5.5 million. The biggest ever jackpot on Mega Moolah was $6.3 million. The jackpot wheel is also guaranteed at a $1 million prize fund, so no one walks away disappointed. You can play Mega Moolah at Jackpot City, All-Slots and Spin Palace casinos.

The bet365 $1.600,000 Slot Giveaway is runs until  the 9th of December 2012. Just Opt-In now and play your way into the prize-draw.

So for lottery and online casino players alike, here is a word of caution about winning it big...

Be A Tactical Spender, not just a Tactical Player

Sadly, there is no shortage of doom and gloom stories from jackpot winners: It's not uncommon to hear of winners losing friends, losing partners, getting caught up in fraudulent tax returns and sometimes ending up bankrupt.

So here is some basic advice:

Firstly, with current tax rates, it is usually advisable to take a lump sum prize over annuity. Second, you should start thinking about investment pretty swiftly, that way you're ensuring your future. You should think about making charitable contributions, both for tax reasons and feel-good reasons. Finally, you should expect your friendships to alter. Take a deep breath and try and keep things under control.