On March 30, 2012, a $640 million jackpot was split between three winning tickets, ending in a cash payout of $474 million. The winnings are the largest cash and annuity amounts in American lottery history. While winning the lottery is every American’s greatest wish, it it can have both positive and devastating effects. Out of all lottery winners, 44 percent spend their entire winnings within five years. For some of these winners, the payout initiates a downward spiral into drug and alcohol abuse, gambling, bankruptcy, and divorce. The sudden influx of money leads to a spending spree and a dangerous lifestyle.

Such is the story of Michael Carroll who won $15.4 million in 2002. Within eight years, all of this money had been spent to feed his taste for cocaine and prostitutes, as well as gambling, investments, electronics, cars, a new house, parties, jewelry, a swimming pool, holidays, and legal fees. By the end of his adventure, Carroll had done a stint in jail and lost both his wife and daughter through divorce. In the end, he went back to being a garbage man.

For other winners, the payout goes into paying off debt and making investments, ultimately making money. This is what happened in the case of Idaho Powerball winner Brad Duke. He took away a cash sum of $85 million in 2005 and by 2008 his net worth had worked its way up to $130 million.

In this infographic, Casino.org shows the best and worst of lotto winners and explores the latest and greatest lotto winners around the globe.

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