$1.6 Billion Lottery Jackpot

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Nov 26, 2012
3,095
1,050
113
#1
Tonight potentially one (lucky?) winner may become a billionaire instantly. Of course if you want an immediate buyout, after taxes that number drops to roughly $650,000,000, but still a pretty decent ROI. My question is, who here thinks that it is not Christian-like to buy a ticket, and for what reason? I’m also curious what some here may choose to spend those winnings on.
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
113
#2
The big winner is the government. 37% tax and no investment at all.

Better wait until I win to invest in rationalizing whether it is Christian or not.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 

Lillywolf

Well-known member
Aug 29, 2018
1,562
543
113
#3
I heard it was 1.6 last week prior to the drawing. It has to be far more than that now.
Think of all the good things you could do with the lump sum winnings.
The list is long. I'd contact an attorney and set myself up as a religious entity. Not 501(c)3 and with pastoral credentials.

I'd pay my mortgage.
I'd start a few businesses I've been thinking about. Then I'd open homeless shelters for veterans. Job training, etc... available. Then I'd employ them in those businesses I started.
I'd give a couple million to St.Jude's and the Shriner's.
I'd buy all the large open parcels of land in my county so as to preserve those properties and their woods for the wildlife and stop the human encroachment.
I'd put a million dollars each in am irrevocable trust I'd create for my God daughter and her sister. without telling them about it. Let them learn of it when my will is read.
Off the top of my head that's about all I can think of right now.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#4
Hi Hungry,

After reading a few articles about what happens to big lottery winners (running out of money, committing suicide a few years later, or being bled dry by people and organizations, etc.), I always said that the first two things I'd buy after winning that kind of money would be: 1. a private island with top-notch security, so no one could find me, and 2. the best legal team that money can buy, because everyone around you would be trying to get you to pay for something, whether through guilt trips or lawsuits. (I'm imagining inviting people over for dinner and you can guess how many would have "accidents" or would try to sue you because their coffee was too hot, just like at McDonald's, etc.)

I am also adopted from another country and so I've always wondered, if I won big money like that, how many people would suddenly show up on my doorstep, claiming to be some long-lost relative or friend of the family?

I know the first thing I might pay for is a DNA test for everyone (although, if they hadn't bothered to find me in all this time and them miraculously came looking for me now, I'd politely ask them to provide for their own DNA test if it meant that much to them.) Even if my biological family DID show up, I'd be in a bit of a heartfelt bind. On one hand, these were the people who created--and left--me, whereas, in my own personal life, my primary loyalty is to the people who raised me. They are the ones I wholeheartedly call "Mom" and "Dad".

But yet the Bible says to honor our father and mother... so if my biological family did show up, by some strange luck of the draw (pun intended), I would feel obligated to help them in at least some small way.

As for the funds, I'd probably just keep on doing what I've been doing, except, of course, on a much larger scale. Aside from the needs of my much-loved friends and family, my top priorities have always been churches I've gone, the adoption agency that brought my to my family, and various medical research charities that are important to me. How cool would it be to pay for an entire new building or facility or research project instead of just giving a regular donation?

However, my one big splurge would probably be a personal plane for friends, family, and the churches I've attended. A long time ago, I read about a celebrity who voluntarily flew medical supplies into an area that had been wrecked by a storm, and I couldn't help but think, "How cool is that?"

I just think it would be the neatest thing to not only be able to travel around the world, but also bring people much-needed hope and supplies in the process.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
113
69
Tennessee
#5
I don't play the lottery but if I did, and won, I would buy me a new coffee mug.
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,095
6,479
113
#6
I don't even know where to get a ticket..........guess that might be a good thing............'cuz if i WON.......I'd buy you 2 NEW COFFEE MUGS
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#8
I don't play the lottery but if I did, and won, I would buy me a new coffee mug.
I don't even know where to get a ticket..........guess that might be a good thing............'cuz if i WON.......I'd buy you 2 NEW COFFEE MUGS
We seem to have a couple of splurgers here. 😁 Just kidding!

Sorry Hungry, I forgot to answer the most important part of your question, which is whether or not the lottery is something Christians should even participate in.

My last post was actually quite futile, because God convicted me of the lottery a long time ago.

I have never really been into it or any other sort of gambling, but I used to buy a ticket or two when the jackpot got really big. For some reason, God really convicted me of this, and I've never bought a ticket since, even though I admit it's kind of tempting when the jackpot gets this big.

I guess it's nice to dream.

However, I also take this as my own personal conviction, and certainly don't look down on or judge anyone else for playing responsibly.
 

Lillywolf

Well-known member
Aug 29, 2018
1,562
543
113
#9
Hi Hungry,

After reading a few articles about what happens to big lottery winners (running out of money, committing suicide a few years later, or being bled dry by people and organizations, etc.), I always said that the first two things I'd buy after winning that kind of money would be: 1. a private island with top-notch security, so no one could find me, and 2. the best legal team that money can buy, because everyone around you would be trying to get you to pay for something, whether through guilt trips or lawsuits. (I'm imagining inviting people over for dinner and you can guess how many would have "accidents" or would try to sue you because their coffee was too hot, just like at McDonald's, etc.)

I am also adopted from another country and so I've always wondered, if I won big money like that, how many people would suddenly show up on my doorstep, claiming to be some long-lost relative or friend of the family?

I know the first thing I might pay for is a DNA test for everyone (although, if they hadn't bothered to find me in all this time and them miraculously came looking for me now, I'd politely ask them to provide for their own DNA test if it meant that much to them.) Even if my biological family DID show up, I'd be in a bit of a heartfelt bind. On one hand, these were the people who created--and left--me, whereas, in my own personal life, my primary loyalty is to the people who raised me. They are the ones I wholeheartedly call "Mom" and "Dad".

But yet the Bible says to honor our father and mother... so if my biological family did show up, by some strange luck of the draw (pun intended), I would feel obligated to help them in at least some small way.

As for the funds, I'd probably just keep on doing what I've been doing, except, of course, on a much larger scale. Aside from the needs of my much-loved friends and family, my top priorities have always been churches I've gone, the adoption agency that brought my to my family, and various medical research charities that are important to me. How cool would it be to pay for an entire new building or facility or research project instead of just giving a regular donation?

However, my one big splurge would probably be a personal plane for friends, family, and the churches I've attended. A long time ago, I read about a celebrity who voluntarily flew medical supplies into an area that had been wrecked by a storm, and I couldn't help but think, "How cool is that?"

I just think it would be the neatest thing to not only be able to travel around the world, but also bring people much-needed hope and supplies in the process.
There is one state I know of that doesn't release lottery winners names unless the winner signs a release. Delaware.
I'm sure there are others out there. Never claim a lottery prize like this until you have an attorney. I don't think lottery officials will even discuss with the winner if they don't have one.

I watched a crime doc about a sweetheart of a guy that was bled by money hungry people. Strangers he didn't even know. Then the biggest predator of them all found him. She claimed to be an investment banker, he was naive and believed her. She gained his power of attorney and ultimately murdered him. Burying him on the back of his own property under a cement slab. And this after she had taken to videotaping him as she asked him pointed questions like, what is the one thing you wish your money couldn't buy you?
"I just wish people would leave me alone and stop asking for money." He couldn't ever say no and the predatory minions knowing this just kept coming.
She used that tape to answer the cops when his extended family put in a missing persons report. Oh, he went off somewhere to get away from the money leaches, she claimed.
With no paper trail? No spending history anywhere else in the world save for the bank drafts that she was pulling out through power of attorney?
She finally confessed and led them to the body. :(

I don't think I'd want a private island. I watch those shows that feature people doing that very thing. Real Estate shows. A lot of celebrities own their own island. I think it would be good for awhile but after a time, lonely. Unless there were lots of dolphins and sharks and whales to play with. Then, yeah, I could see that.
Think of the navy you'd have to amass to defend your shores. :giggle: Create your own flag and establish yourself as a micro-nation.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
113
69
Tennessee
#10
We seem to have a couple of splurgers here. 😁 Just kidding!

Sorry Hungry, I forgot to answer the most important part of your question, which is whether or not the lottery is something Christians should even participate in.

My last post was actually quite futile, because God convicted me of the lottery a long time ago.

I have never really been into it or any other sort of gambling, but I used to buy a ticket or two when the jackpot got really big. For some reason, God really convicted me of this, and I've never bought a ticket since, even though I admit it's kind of tempting when the jackpot gets this big.

I guess it's nice to dream.

However, I also take this as my own personal conviction, and certainly don't look down on or judge anyone else for playing responsibly.
I don't see anything scripturally wrong buying a few tickets here or there but certainly is a waste of money to put half a paycheck on a number. I haven't bought a ticket for myself in years but do buy a few instant tickets for stocking stuffers and inserting in gifts during Christmas. The one or those that eventually wins the 1.6+ jackpot will be hounded the rest of their lives and their privacy destroyed. It will probably not end well and winning will be more of a curse than a blessing. I don't envy the winners one bit.
 
Nov 26, 2012
3,095
1,050
113
#11
It seems everybody has some good ideas. My wife did get a ticket. I’ll tell you what. If I win, I will get you all a coffee cup. It will say, “no longer Hungry”

Hopefully that there are some happy winners among the disaster stories.
 

shittim

Senior Member
Dec 16, 2016
13,605
7,643
113
#12
I would immediately begin praying for His plan since as Christians all we have is His, to be used as he would have
us use it to His glory forevermore.
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,095
6,479
113
#13
I have decided to "identify" with my being the WINNER! So, they HAVE to give it to me, right? Otherwise, I will file a Discrimination Suit against them for denying me the right to identify myself as I feel I truly am......

Hey, it works for those other guy.......uh....gir......uh.....SHOOT, you know...........them!
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,261
2,386
113
#14
[QUOTE="p_rehbein, post: 3742149, member: 174109"]I have decided to "identify" with my being the WINNER! So, they HAVE to give it to me, right? Otherwise, I will file a Discrimination Suit against them for denying me the right to identify myself as I feel I truly am......
Hey, it works for those other guy.......uh....gir......uh.....SHOOT, you know...........them![/QUOTE]



And I will "identify" as being the ever-loyal but gender-confused spouse of the winner... and I'm going to divorce him and take HALF!


We SHOULD be living in a world where sheer nonsensical madness is frowned up...
but we don't live in that world.



...
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,095
6,479
113
#15
Ya coulda said "her" and not "him"

still be gender confucius

prayer3.jpg
 
Aug 2, 2009
24,574
4,262
113
#16
I would buy you all a pink Cadillac.. (or a toyota... whichever you prefer...)

 

shittim

Senior Member
Dec 16, 2016
13,605
7,643
113
#18
We have our salvation, and that is priceless.
Pray for the person from South Carolina, that the win will be a blessing and not a curse.
 

Jackie55

Junior Member
Jun 5, 2017
19
9
3
#19
I thought gambling was of the devil.

At least, that was what my parents believed and they never let me do the lottery growing up.
 
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
20,395
113
#20
Men cast lots and the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord <---Is this not similar to buying a lottery ticket ;) HAHAH maybe pray for the number and promise to give most away HAHAHAHHAHAHHA

yeah I know....