I’ve won $1million lottery jackpot twice in ten weeks – but both times I’ve lost $350k before even stepping out the door

A FORMER lottery winner is experiencing an unbelievable streak of luck after making another windfall just weeks after her first win.

Christine Wilson from Massachusetts won $1 million in a new lottery game in February but immediately lost $350,000 because of a little-known rule.

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Now, just 10 weeks after the win, the woman from Attleboro has scooped another $1 million prize but again lost $350,000.

Wilson’s most recent win came from a $10 ticket for a 100X Cash game.

The winning ticket was bought at a Family Food Mart in Mansfield.

As well as Wilson receiving money, the store will get a $10,000 prize for selling the winning ticket.

By choice, the lucky winner decided to sacrifice almost half of the prize to avoid future taxes and to receive a lump sum of cash.

This was the same decision she made after her first win on February 23.

The first prize was won when Wilson played the new Lifetime Millions game with a $50 scratch-off ticket.

She purchased the winner at Dubs’s Discount Liquors in Mansfield.

When large amounts of money are won in the lottery, winners face a tough decision – to take a lump sum that is smaller than the prize or to have annual payments that add up to the full amount.

Much of this decision comes down to financial needs and taxes.

The amount of taxes on lottery wins varies per state with some places not taxing such income.

Opting for the lump sum on both occasions, Wilson is left having to pay federal taxes of around 24%.

In addition to this, Massachusetts takes a 5% tax on lottery winnings over $600.

Those who opt for the annuity option, usually on larger prizes, will be subjected to annual taxation.

Following her first win, Wilson said the money would go towards a new SUV.

Top lottery winners in the US

Millions dream of winning the lottery and finding fame and fortune. These are the biggest winners in US lottery history.

• Edwin Castro – $2.04 billion, Powerball, Nov. 8, 2022, in California.
• Theodorus Struyck – $1.765 billion, Powerball, Oct. 11, 2023, in California.
• Unknown winner – $1.602 billion, Mega Millions, Aug. 8, 2023, in Florida.
• Marvin and Mae Acosta from Los Angeles, California, John and Lisa Robinson from Munford, Tennessee, and Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt from Melbourne Beach, Florida – $1.586 billion, Powerball, Jan. 13, 2016.
• Unknown winner – $1.537 billion, Mega Millions, Oct. 23, 2018, from South Carolina.
• Unknown winner – he sued the mother of his child to keep his identity hidden – $1.348 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 13, 2023, from Maine.
• Unknown winner – $1.337 billion, Mega Millions, July 29, 2022, from Illinois.
• Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, and Laiza Liem Chao – $1.326 billion, Powerball, April 7, 2024, from Oregon.
• Yanira Alvarez – $1.08 billion Powerball, July 19, 2023 in California.
• Wolverine FLL Lottery Club – $1.05 billion, Mega Millions, Jan. 22, 2021, from Michigan.
• Unknown winner – $842.4 million Powerball, Jan. 1, 2024, from Michigan.

Now after a second win, she says the money will be put in her savings.

Meanwhile, lottery players in Louisiana have been urged to check their pockets for an unclaimed ticket worth $50,000.

The winning Powerball ticket is due to expire in days and was purchased from a Speedy Mart in Baton Rouge.

It was drawn on November 11, 2023, but the huge prize will expire if not claimed by May 9.

See what numbers you are looking out for here.

Remember, playing the lottery is a form of gambling and should be done responsibly.

Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing 
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling online.