$336 Million Powerball Winner Still Unknown

By Sami K. Martin, Christian Post Reporter Monday, February 13, 2012

Someone from Rhode Island is about to be $336 million richer after winning the nation's Powerball lottery.

The winner, who purchased the ticket from a Stop & Shop supermarket in Rhode Island, selected all five winning numbers along with the Powerball. A spokeswoman for the lottery told The Associated Press that this jackpot "is the sixth largest in U.S. history." The top jackpot was a $390 million MegaMillions prize in 2007.

"Players have told us time and time again that they love playing for these big jackpots. We needed to make changes to the game as sales had declined and we hadn't seen a solid jackpot run like this for awhile," said Arch Gleason, Kentucky Lottery's President.

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"By increasing the game's price to $2, we made changes that provided better winning odds, a guaranteed $1 million cash second prize, and we hoped jackpots would grow faster. I believe this recent run has proven our point," Gleason added.

Deborah L. Jacobs has posted an article on Forbes stating the "10 Things To Do When You Win the Powerball." In it, Jacobs' number one tip specifically states: "Remain anonymous if your state rules permit it."

Why? Because charities, relatives and friends, and even unknown relatives may come to you for money once they know you have it, she says.

Other suggestions include meeting with a tax professional and avoiding immediate lifestyle changes. "For the first six months after you win the lottery, don't do anything drastic, like quitting your job, buying a McMansion, or trading up for a luxury car," wrote Jacobs.

What is one thing that should be done immediately? Paying off your debts.

"Whether it is credit card debt or a mortgage, your rate of return equals the interest rate on the loan," Jacobs writes.

What would other people do with the winnings?

Zac Jackson tweeted, "When I hit Powerball tonight, I am buying the Cleveland Indians. And we will be signing Jeremy Lin and Roger Dorn."

User Bobby Bracelet tweeted his remorse at not winning. "I didn't win the Powerball jackpot. My dreams of replacing my bedroom floor with a trampoline will have to wait," he wrote.