Memorable lottery winners

 

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Winning the lottery is a dream of many. But first you have to buy a ticket. Need help picking numbers? Now that you've got your numbers, what are your chances of winning? And, if you happen to win, here's how to manage your winnings wisely. If you don't, your riches may turn back to rags. Here are a few lucky souls who took a gamble and struck it rich. Find out what jobs they had before striking it big and more.

Next search: Joan Ginther

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But first you have to buy a ticket. Need help picking numbers? Now that you\'ve got your numbers, what are your chances of winning? And, if you happen to win, here\'s how to manage your winnings wisely. If you don\'t, your riches may turn back to rags. Here are a few lucky souls who took a gamble and struck it rich. Find out what jobs they had before striking it big and more.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/28/8C8A6E113879BC6BF851F9FFF5A91E.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:1,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=1&cp-searchtext=lottery%20winners&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Lottery poster displayed at the Times Market in Bishop, Texas, where Joan Ginther won $10 million on a $50 scratch-off ticket (© Steve Nurenberg/AP)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: College professor who lived in Texas.Winnings: She hit four jackpots; how much did she win?Last seen: Living quietly in another town.Spending: Some of her windfall went to help people in her hometown.Notable: The store (see photos) where she bought her last two tickets has been overrun with hopefuls.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/C3/D0A7B47BBB25A47720B85ECC5DB1C7.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:2,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=2&cp-searchtext=joan%20ginther&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"New York lottery poster (© Daniel Acker/Bloomberg)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Retired couple (see pictures).Winnings: How much did they win in two jackpots?Last seen: After winning twice, they moved.Spending: They said they would share their winnings with these people.Notable: The Angelos\' win marked only the third time in this lottery\'s history that someone has hit the jackpot twice.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/46/EEA0FD4FAABD544C12543AF0BEAD4C.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:3,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=3&cp-searchtext=eugene%20%26%20adeline%20angelo&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Tickets for the Mega Millions lottery (© Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Bus driver (see pictures).Winnings: How many millions?Last seen: Living in Roswell, Ga.Spending: Said he could never spend that much money.Notable: He held two winning tickets at the same time.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/92/6927FED31F05DC31BB2EE4E478C6A.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:4,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=4&cp-searchtext=stephen%20cooke%20and%20lottery&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Joe Johnson & wife Lisa Johnson (Supplied by WENN)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Pretend miserWinnings: £10 million (About how much in dollars?)Last seen: Promoting a book about his life.Spending: Went on these kinds of dates and drove an old Land Rover.Notable: When his love found out that he\'d kept a secret from her, she was furious. He explained, she listened, and they had this kind of ending.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/DF/E1EC81CBC4E61A8F2A9E26115F6FEA.jpg",width:403,height:350}},slidenumber:5,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=5&cp-searchtext=lisa%20joe%20johnson%20lottery%20winner&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Donna Campbell & Arnim Ramdass\' wedding portrait sits on the dining table as Donna packs up her wedding china (© Sun Sentinel/MCT /Landov)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Airline mechanicWinnings: $700,000Last seen: He reportedly disappeared after a confrontation with his wife, a former beauty queen (see pictures).Spending: Who knows?Notable: A judge\'s ruling in Campbell\'s lawsuit suggested that this court might be a better venue for their dispute. ",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/78/C9EAB9821125B7D81A7979ECB4A1C2.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:6,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=6&cp-searchtext=Arnim%20Ramdass%20and%20lotto&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"California lotto graphic (© Kurt Strazdins/MCT)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Worked at a clothing design firm.Winnings: $1.3 millionLast seen: Filing for bankruptcySpending: Under orders to hand her winnings over to this person.Notable: Used her mother\'s address to collect.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/12/CFE042926AFA45BA9DCFE8DC18E3D7.jpg",width:403,height:300}},slidenumber:7,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=7&cp-searchtext=denise%20rossi%20california%20lottery&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/deco

ration/spacer.gif",alt:"Curtis Sharp, 1984 (© Mike Derer/AP)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Air conditioning technician (see pictures).Winnings: $5.6 millionLast seen: Living in Nashville, Tenn., and doing this to help those in need.Spending: His version of the high life. Notable: He once dined with Andy Warhol.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/34/42B8FE7FC47EDEB15578F5B572DD.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:8,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=8&cp-searchtext=curtis%20sharp%20and%20lottery&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Viv Nicholson (© Rex Features)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Factory worker (see pictures)Winnings: £152,000Last seen: Living in her hometownSpending: She got this car and these clothes.Notable: She vowed she\'d \"spend, spend, spend!\"",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/A1/BA9E362943C6A411DEEB92C7F60F2.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:9,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=9&cp-searchtext=viv%20nicholson%20lottery%20winner&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Michael Carroll, 2002 (© Geoff Robinson/Rex Features )",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Binman (see pictures)Winnings: £9.7 million (about this much in dollars)Last seen: Filing for bankruptcy.Spending: Family, friends, gambling, cars, gold and these two things.Notable: Known as the \"Lotto Lout,\" he reportedly said, \"I regret the drugs. I can\'t say I regret the women.\"",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/41/5DC3DE4E78144911380937E132429.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:10,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=10&cp-searchtext=michael%20carroll%20and%20lottery&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Neal Wanless accepts a ceremonial check for winning a $232 million Powerball lottery jackpot, 2009 (© Chet Brokaw/AP)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Rancher Winnings: $232 million (see pictures)Last seen: Buying ranch land. Spending: Says he\'ll repay the help given to his family.Notable: He reportedly confided his dreams to his horse, Eleanor.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/43/B37A2641D26FF18CE2FD0B579CC5.jpg",width:403,height:350}},slidenumber:11,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=11&cp-searchtext=neal%20wanless&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Illinois lottery poster (© Tim Boyle/Getty Images)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: UnemployedWinnings: $5 millionLast seen: Planning to buy a home in the country.Spending: Bought a black 1991 Cadillac with 155,000 miles on it.Notable: Split his last $3 between cat food and lottery tickets. His story was also featured in a film.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/9B/83379E86B294B111AF6CB2905D4A42.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:12,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=12&cp-searchtext=james%20gatzke%20chicago%20jackpot&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Rhoda & (right) Alex Toth stand in front of the Federal Courthouse in Tampa, Fla., after a court appearance in 2006 (© Cliff McBride/Tampa Tribune)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Alex was on disability; Rhoda was a nursing assistant (see pictures).Winnings: $13 millionLast seen: Rhonda Toth was sentenced to prison; Alex died while awaiting trial.Spending: Spent the money on everything but these.Notable: Were down to their last $24 when they won.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/39/1AE6449D9A6541DA031DBF861E2C0.jpg",width:403,height:300}},slidenumber:13,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=13&cp-searchtext=alex%20rhoda%20toth%20lottery%20winners&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Kevin Halstead & his partner Josephine Jones after Kevin won $2,302,668 in the National Lottery (© Dave Thompson/Press Association)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Bus driver (see pictures)Winnings: £2 million (How much is that in dollars?)Last seen: Driving a busSpending: Planned to buy a mansion, get season tickets -- and perhaps a new wife.Notable: He says he won\'t quit his job -- which he\'s held for 17 years -- because he\'d miss his mates.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/7F/F9A3A3FEEFEC88CE23B685CDB71DB.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:14,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=14&cp-searchtext=kevin%20halstead%20and%20bus%20driver&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Britain\'s National Lottery logo (© Sonny Meddle/Rex Features )",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Retirees (see pictures)Winnings: £2.4 millionLast seen: WaltzingSpending: Went looking for new kneesNotable: They say they have some of this to do.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/12/4086FBA54A77FDD7EB28E7AF191D8F.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:15,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=15&cp-searchtext=tony%20greta%20dodd%20lottery%20winners%20knees&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"TV still of Jacki Wells Cisneros & husband Gilbert during an interview with KNBC Los Angeles May 5, 2010 (© KNBC-TV/AP)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: TV assignment editor (see video).Winnings: Eighth-largest jackpot in the history of the game.Last seen: Heading back to workSpending: Planning to donate money to alma maters and church.Notable: Gilbert Cisneros wanted dinner at the place where he bought tickets.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/2E/F448CF78CB8043CDA23258DA6BEF.jpg",width:403,height:300}},slidenumber:16,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=16&cp-searchtext=jacki%20well%20cisneros%20wins%20lottery&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"MegaMillions lottery co-winner Ed Nabors holds up a pillow with the words \'gone fishing\' embroidered on it, as his sister, Becky Dunlap, & brother-in-law David Dunlap hold his before-tax check during a news conference March 7, 2007, in Atlanta (© John Amis/AP)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Harold was a contractor; Elaine worked for her husband; Ed Nabors was a truck driver.Winnings: Split $390 millionLast seen: The Messners decided to retire early, and Nabors plans to do this a lot.Spending: They were keeping mum, but Nabors plans to buy property.Notable: The Messners hired help before they sought their money.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/3B/B05E53D4897135C371E08E6BB7A.jpg",width:403,height:300}},slidenumber:17,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=17&cp-searchtext=Ed%20Nabors%20Elaine%20Harold%20Messner%20split%20lottery%20win&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Nigel Page (right) & partner Justine Laycock celebrate winning 56 million pounds on the EuroMillions lottery, February 15, 2010 (© Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Property manager (see video)Winnings: £56 million; that\'s how much a week?Last seen: Quitting their jobs and buying a new home.Spending: Gave former house and car to cleaner.Notable: Did they secretly get married? ",width:0,height:0,or

iginal:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/41/2E3A79961498C672735264912DE.jpg",width:403,height:350}},slidenumber:18,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=18&cp-searchtext=nigel%20page%20and%20justine%20laycock%20lottery%20win&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Andrew \'Jack\' Whittaker, Jr. (center right), his wife Jewell (center) & granddaughter Brandi Bragg (left), with a check at a news conference in Charleston, W.Va., Dec. 26, 2002 (© Bob Bird/AP)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: President of a contracting firm (see photos)Winnings: A huge jackpotLast seen: Entangled in legal problemsSpending: Thieves took his money, not once but twice.Notable: Regarded as one of the unluckiest winners to date.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/1C/20883A2E64D0B9F4C1ADAD4E3992.jpg",width:403,height:300}},slidenumber:19,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=19&cp-searchtext=jack%20whittaker%20lottery%20winner&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Rose Bakaysa sits in the courtroom listening to her sister\'s testimony during trial in New Britain, Conn., March 23, 2010 (© Stephen Dunn/AP)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Retired (see pictures)Winnings: $500,000Last seen: Living in New Haven, Conn.Spending: Said she didn\'t have to share.Notable: Her sister sued over the jackpot; here\'s what the judge said.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/28/53424DB2B037716E3EBF6F3751E56.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:20,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=20&cp-searchtext=rose%20bakaysa%20lottery&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Waffle House sign (© Ric Feld/AP)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Waffle House waitress Winnings: $10 millionLast seen: Making an appealSpending: Refused to share her jackpot with co-workers. Notable: The man who gave her the tip wanted only a new set of wheels if she won.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/7D/95E90E637A0BED11F44506799883E.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:21,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=21&cp-searchtext=tonda%20dickerson%20lottery&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Billboard advertising the Florida lottery (© J. Pat Carter/AP)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Postal worker (see pictures)Winnings: $60 millionLast seen: Recovering after being shot by policeSpending: One sister became wealthy; the other filed for bankruptcy.Notable: Had a child by each of the sisters.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/92/28179B226DCB918B1AEFB07564F49A.jpg",width:403,height:300}},slidenumber:22,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=22&cp-searchtext=Robert%20Swofford%20Jr.%20lottery%20winner&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Etta Beard waves to reporters & well-wishers as the New York Lottery\'s Yolanda Vega presents her as the grandprize winner of the Win a Million Lottery scratch-off game (© The Post-Standard /Landov)",title:"",description:"Occupation before winning: Retired teacher (see pictures)Winnings: $1 millionLast seen: In Onondaga CountySpending: She plans to use part of it to create a scholarship fund.Notable: Won her payday with one of these.",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/22/8319D0D53B214013ACEFB1C69518.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:23,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=23&cp-searchtext=etta%20beard%20lottery%20winner&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}},{img:{src:"http://blstc.msn.com/br/chan/css/3/decoration/spacer.gif",alt:"Neil Grayston & Allison Scagliotti in \'Warehouse 13\' (© Steve Wilkie/SyFy)",title:"",description:"",width:0,height:0,original:{src:"http://blstb.msn.com/i/B6/95F321BD263A386599A23D4AC3BB.jpg",width:403,height:450}},slidenumber:24,url:"/A-List/Lifestyle/Lottery-winners.aspx?cp-documentid=25305415&imageindex=24&cp-searchtext=greatest%20tv%20geeks&FORM=MSNIIT",flash:{}}]}})