SAN DIEGO — The $47 million winner of the Mega Millions lottery game was all smiles Wednesday afternoon when he claimed his winnings and was introduced at a news conference as Todd Moitz, California Lottery officials said.
Moitz, a 24-year-old former Farmer's Insurance agent, said he's overwhelmed by the news and hasn't yet decided what to do with the windfall.
He has elected the cash option, which is worth $32 million before taxes.
"Cash is king," Moitz said, explaining his choice for the payment option.
Moitz bought the ticket at a 7-Eleven on Cass Street near Loring Street in Pacific Beach, where he lives. The winning numbers: 2, 11, 19, 21, 34 and the Mega number 38, were announced Friday night.
He said he typically buys $2 for two tickets, and he chooses the lottery numbers to play. He typically plays the day of the drawing and didn't expect to win.
Moitz said he discovered his riches Saturday morning when he checked the numbers on a Web site and did "a double-take." [Editor: still trying to determine which Web site he checked.]
"You never actually expect (the numbers) to actually land," he said. "It's surreal. It's a dream come true."
Moitz said he pounded on his roommate's door and had him verify the numbers matched those drawn.
Since then, Moitz said he's been texting and calling relatives to share the news.
Despite his openness, Moitz declined to state his dating status.
The University of Delaware graduate who moved to San Diego from New Jersey in August chuckled when he said he had studied business.
"It's the best time of my life," said Moitz, who also drives a Zamboni at the San Diego Ice Arena in Mira Mesa. "I love this city."
He avoided questions about what his first big purchase might be, where he might settle down, and his relationship status.
Nor was he sure of his future work plans.
"I really don't know," Moitz said.
Flanked by his parents and sister during the news conference, Moitz said his mind is running "a mile a minute."
"I have to wait for it to slow down to a normal speed before I can make a rational decision," Moitz said. Regardless of what he does with the money, he said his family would be taken care of.
Charles Rich, a lottery sales manager, praised Moitz, a University of Delaware graduate who studied finance and marketing.
"I feel very confident he'll do well with this," Rich said. "I don't think he'll have any problems."
But will Moitz remain among the one-third of local residents who buy lottery tickets?
"Of course," he said.
The store is also expected to receive $230,000, a ½ percent share of the jackpot.
Store owner Palvinder Hundal, who has owned the store for three years, said it's the first time a winning number was purchased there.
Hundal said he would share some of the money with his employees and some would help pay school costs for his children.
Mega Millions is a multi-state game played in twelve states and has drawings on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Having just turned 20 a couple months ago, it's good to hear when someone younger gets to win the jackpot, it always seems to be people who are middle-aged and older and already have most of what they want out of life, and don't desire to make much change. Not to say they don't deserve it by any stretch, it's just that I haven't seen a single story with anyone under 30-40 years of age hitting a jackpot until now. Cool story.
This is truly an inspiring story for any young lottery players who are feeling discouraged about winning: luck and patience are key ingredients. Yes, most older winners win because they probably play more regularly.
Quote: Originally posted by robmang on Jan 8, 2009
Having just turned 20 a couple months ago, it's good to hear when someone younger gets to win the jackpot, it always seems to be people who are middle-aged and older and already have most of what they want out of life, and don't desire to make much change. Not to say they don't deserve it by any stretch, it's just that I haven't seen a single story with anyone under 30-40 years of age hitting a jackpot until now. Cool story.
Don't worry, plenty of people from all ages win. There are lots of stories posted in LP's news section about 20-somethings winning over the years.
If older folks tend to win more, it's purely a function of more older people playing the lottery. Same goes for male vs. female, area of the country, cities vs. suburbs vs. rural areas, etc. It's a very predictable fact that people who play more often win more often.
See the previous news story about the guy from Colorado for a great example of that!
Congrats to the winner. I just read that the first person in FL to come forward with a PB winner is 22 years old. He won $50,000 because he spent the extra $1 and got 4 out of 5 and the PB. Age doesn't matter to the lottery fairy. Unfortunately for me, the tooth fairy has an age limit.
I thought so too, but got confirmation from different outlets that they were random picks.
from MSNBC:
At a news conference Wednesday, Moitz explained that he played random numbers that just happened to match the winning combination, 2, 11, 19, 21, 34 and the Mega number 38 in Friday's draw.
I thought so too, but got confirmation from different outlets that they were random picks.
Go towww.signonsandiego.comand watch the link with the video. He says there that he spends two bucks at a time and fills out his tickets at the 7-11 shortly before the draw. Using his own numbers. He said they all came together at one time!
I was a little confused as well because I watched his press conference and he says every since he lived in San Diego he goes and pays $2 and he picks his own numbers. Todd has better connections then I do so I believe him.
Go towww.signonsandiego.comand watch the link with the video. He says there that he spends two bucks at a time and fills out his tickets at the 7-11 shortly before the draw. Using his own numbers. He said they all came together at one time!
Yeah, that's the same video that is available on this news story atLottery Post.
Yes, he chooses the numbers, the news sources were wrong.
Quote: Originally posted by CowboysFan on Jan 8, 2009
I was a little confused as well because I watched his press conference and he says every since he lived in San Diego he goes and pays $2 and he picks his own numbers. Todd has better connections then I do so I believe him.
My sources were wrong. I watched the video on the Lottery Post story again, and he said he picked 'em. Sorry for the confusion.
Winning at that young an age make the prize twice as nice.
Not sure why he decided to have a press conference. I wouldn't want that publicity.
Definetly. Winning at a younger age is the best. Hopefully I win the lottery soon myself lol. Yeah I don't know why he chose the conference but I guess some people don't mind at all.
One good reason is, I would be willing to bet a few girls might recognize him and could come up to him in the bar. A huge negative would be, there are ALOT of desparate people these days looking for money.
I'm thinking WOW when I hear he picked his own numbers. Did anyone hear how he came up with his numbers? His own system? Important dates? Set numbers he's played for a year? What LUCK!
I haven't had any luck with qp's..I too buy just about $2 worth and my numbers ALWAYS seem to be like this:
A: 1, 28, 29, 30,45,-X
B: 13, 23, 24, 41, 42-X
I know any number combo can win..but I do seem to feel like a loser when I see these numbers. So far, my tickets have been just like this. That includes Wa. Lotto too. Geez.
"Moitz said he pounded on his roommate's door and had him verify the numbers matched those drawn.
Since then, Moitz said he's been texting and calling relatives to share the news."
Not a good idea! He should have kept quiet. He will be inundated with pleas for 'help', from family and friends and people he doesn't know. He should have got a good lawyer and tried to remain anonymous. I wish him the best and I hope he invested the vast majority of it for the future. while $32 million before taxes is a lot of money, if it's not managed well it can dwindle away very quickly.
Quote: Originally posted by diamondpalace on Jan 8, 2009
Winning at 24 will leave many more years of great adventures!!
Wow...I agree. I have more hope on Mega Millions now, I am young myself and I will win at this age so that I can have many adventures and help my family and friends out. Congratulations for the win...I am next, but I have to wait for the jackpot to grow again...I have my numbers ready to be announced. I have been playing ever since I turned 18 years.
Winning at that young an age make the prize twice as nice.
Not sure why he decided to have a press conference. I wouldn't want that publicity.
Disagree. I'm happy for him, but winning a lot of money after you've worked all your life to provide for your family can't be any less rewarding. Can it?
Man, I am really happy for him. He has many years ahead to enjoy his winning.
I am studying Business Major also. I wish that happens on me.
Sometimes I think that only people with a good story about their lottery purchases would win, such as a honey moon trip, a compelling feeling to purchase, advanced prinited-out tickets, birthday numbers. For many times, I wanted to tell my story to the world too. I purchased lottery tickets in a place I loved to visit, Foster City in CA. I purchased lottery when I filled up my tank, when I bought cold medicine for my Mom, when I travelled to Oregon. Most likely, however, I never won even $1.
I remember one time in Oregon, I purchased a Powerball ticket that had been printed out in advanced. That night I could bearly sleep in the Westin Hotel in Ashland, Oregon. My heart was pounding all night. I thought this was it. My chance had come. When morning came, I was disappointed; the jackpot rolled over $220 millions. I bought more tickets on the following Sunday morning with Multi-draw. Yet, luck was not on my side. Still I did not win.
Now, I think that any reason would be a good story once you have the winning ticket in hand. It's a good story because it's a winner story.
PS: Is Multi-draw an option for naive people? what if the drawing computer scans your multi-draw numbers and avoid to draw that numbers.
His accounting/finance classes paid off. I can't remember how many times during those classes I heard the phrase "Cash is King". Good thing he learned from it. haha
California state law requires that the California State Lottery to release the following information: your name, and the name and location of the retailer where you bought your ticket. You may request no media coverage aside from that.
California Lottery website
I find is crazy that US lotteries require winners to disclose their names, that turns people into sitting ducks. NSW Lotteries allow winners to remain anonymous. Prize amounts and where the ticket was purchased are published and they may say how the winner reacted to the news and how they intend to spend it, but winners are allowed to remain anonymous and 99% choose that option.
myturn, you live in Australia and the NSW Lotteries obviously care about annonymity -- unless the winners do not want to remain anonymous. Unlike the US Lottery official empty heads, all they want is publicity and if the winners are hounded, so be it!
A winner in New Mexico is not required to do a news conference. However, your name, prize amount, and ticket purchase are public knowledge. Of course, your address and telephone number are not public information. When I win, I am opting for no news conference, period!
I always love it when a young person wins. I know Todd says that older people win because that age bracket plays more, but it still gives me a bit of hope. I'm not sure about the genuis involved in having a press conference and telling everybody in sight, but who knows...maybe his friends and family are different (anything's possible right...espically after you've won the lottery).
what if the drawing computer scans your multi-draw numbers and avoid to draw that numbers.
There is no way for the lottery folks to avoid drawing any numbers.
I find is crazy that US lotteries require winners to disclose their names, that turns people into sitting ducks
It does have it's down sides, but the positive side is that the public knows the drawing is not corrupt. If every winner was to remain anonymous, it would be much easier to hide if dirty lottery CEO's were paying themselves out repeatedly. No one would know.
wow, 24 years old, i know he must be on cloud 9 10 and 11, im close to his age, so i can only imagine how he feels and all the opportunites running through his mind!!
Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Jan 8, 2009
Disagree. I'm happy for him, but winning a lot of money after you've worked all your life to provide for your family can't be any less rewarding. Can it?
Anyone would rather win when they are 24 than when they were in their 40s or 50s. You are alone if you disagree.
You are the same person that wouldn't want to win more than a few millions. You are alone there too.
Quote: Originally posted by justxploring on Jan 8, 2009
Disagree. I'm happy for him, but winning a lot of money after you've worked all your life to provide for your family can't be any less rewarding. Can it?
I am sure it would be very nice to win at any age, but the sooner you win, the more years you have to enjoy it.
Quote: Originally posted by grengrad on Jan 9, 2009
I am sure it would be very nice to win at any age, but the sooner you win, the more years you have to enjoy it.
Yes, that's true, but how do you really know that? What about all the lottery winners who blew it in a short time or whose wealth led to their demise? Although statistically someone 24 will live much longer than someone 64, there are never any guarantees. I'm only in my 50s and I've lost friends to cancer or a tragic accident. Yet I also know people in their 80s who are healthy & active.
Well, it's silly to belabor this issue, since it is supposed to be a happy thread, but I only made my last comment because I've read many posts over the years that suggest older people don't have the same right to a comfortable life. Although nobody "deserves" to win more than anyone else, IMO most older people would appreciate a windfall more, since they've paid the price..so to speak. Someone just out of school or the Paris Hilton type who is born into wealth, will never learn what it's like to struggle to make ends meet or make sacrifices for his kids or to take care of an ailing parent. Sometimes that's where a person gets his strength.
Quote: Originally posted by robmang on Jan 8, 2009
Having just turned 20 a couple months ago, it's good to hear when someone younger gets to win the jackpot, it always seems to be people who are middle-aged and older and already have most of what they want out of life, and don't desire to make much change. Not to say they don't deserve it by any stretch, it's just that I haven't seen a single story with anyone under 30-40 years of age hitting a jackpot until now. Cool story.
Just because you are middle-aged doesn't mean that you already have most of what you want out of life!
Maybe you have lost your job, and can't get one because you are middle-aged.
Maybe you have been chronically ill for 22 years and are now disabled.
Maybe most of what you have wanted to do has always been out of reach, and that is why you play.
I am very happy for this young man and hope he enjoys his winnings. I have a feeling though, he will come to regret that press conference. There are just too many unscrupulous people out there who will do their best to seperate him from his money. I have read so many stories about lotttery winners who say if they could do it all over again, the one thing they would do differently is to keep quiet about winning.
I have noticed that on the California Lottery Website it says that they are required by law to release a winner's name, the amount won and the loacation the ticket was purchased. Yet, in the "media" section, there are statements released by the lottery saying the winner wishes to remain anonymous. Anyone know whether a winner in California can claim thier winnings anonymously.
justxploring, I have also responded on this post regarding the arrogance of some writers who assume that older players don't deserve to win as younger players do.
Although the 24 winner may have longevity on his side, the quality of his life, in my opinion, will be or should be remembered at the end of his days.
Finally, as justxploring mentioned: "most older people would appreciate a windfall more, since they've paid the price...so to speak." These are powerful and poigant words...advice to all younger players.
Quote: Originally posted by dphillips on Jan 9, 2009
justxploring, I have also responded on this post regarding the arrogance of some writers who assume that older players don't deserve to win as younger players do.
Although the 24 winner may have longevity on his side, the quality of his life, in my opinion, will be or should be remembered at the end of his days.
Finally, as justxploring mentioned: "most older people would appreciate a windfall more, since they've paid the price...so to speak." These are powerful and poigant words...advice to all younger players.
justxploring's opinions always sound very thoughtful. I wish my brain can easily come up with meaningful and concise statements like hers. It would be helpful to my English essays. The downside is that English is my second language, and I often hang out with folks speaking my native language.
Quote: Originally posted by grengrad on Jan 9, 2009
I am sure it would be very nice to win at any age, but the sooner you win, the more years you have to enjoy it.
I'm kind of with justX on this. There are plenty of people who managed to lose it all before dying, so they wouldn't have enjoyed it for any longer if they had won when they were a few years younger. OTOH, perhaps a few of the people who went broke would have made it last longer if they had been 10 years older when they won. I expect that the vast majority of people would be better at handling sudden wealth when they're 40 than when they're 20 to 25.
I might have been able to have more fun per year when I was 25 than now, but I'd much rather be retired and financially secure from 50 to 80+ than be rich from 20 to 30 and then be broke again. Not that I think I would have blown it if I won in my 20's, but I think very few people can really be sure how well they'd handle sudden wealth, especially at a young age. That said, if I win the $120 million PB tomorrow, part of me will be thinking I'd have been happier winning $10 million 20 years ago.
In my opinion, I don't think its the age at all that deserves to win. Its a good person who deserves to win. Everyone has a story to tell at any age. The 20 year old who wants to pay for college and help out his parents who may be sturggling...the 40 year old who has worked hard at his job for 20+years to support the family..the 60 year old who wants to retire in style cuz dang it he/she deserves it...and the 80 year old who dreams of leaving some money to the kids...the grandkids....and event the great grandkids.
I'm happy for anyone who wins a large amount of money no matter how old they are. We ALL have a story that we would love to have a chance to tell.
Mine? Well lets just say I'm 35..I got 3 kids...my husband and I have been married for 17 years and we worked hard trying to get by. We struggled the whole way, but we do it together and that all that counts. With every step forward...we had taken 5 steps back. Luck has never been on our side lol. Things are looking pretty bad for us financially and we are again struggling to survive. I play my dollar cuz they say a dollar for a dream and hope for the best. I have given up all extras in life so I can at least have my internet lol... A click of the mouse and I'm in Hawaii...then Japan...then Italy lol...cheaper then a plane ticket.
Im GETTING old (at least I feel old).........do I deserve to win? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And so does everyone else on LP no matter how old you are!!!!!! LOL
Man, I am really happy for him. He has many years ahead to enjoy his winning.
I am studying Business Major also. I wish that happens on me.
Sometimes I think that only people with a good story about their lottery purchases would win, such as a honey moon trip, a compelling feeling to purchase, advanced prinited-out tickets, birthday numbers. For many times, I wanted to tell my story to the world too. I purchased lottery tickets in a place I loved to visit, Foster City in CA. I purchased lottery when I filled up my tank, when I bought cold medicine for my Mom, when I travelled to Oregon. Most likely, however, I never won even $1.
I remember one time in Oregon, I purchased a Powerball ticket that had been printed out in advanced. That night I could bearly sleep in the Westin Hotel in Ashland, Oregon. My heart was pounding all night. I thought this was it. My chance had come. When morning came, I was disappointed; the jackpot rolled over $220 millions. I bought more tickets on the following Sunday morning with Multi-draw. Yet, luck was not on my side. Still I did not win.
Now, I think that any reason would be a good story once you have the winning ticket in hand. It's a good story because it's a winner story.
PS: Is Multi-draw an option for naive people? what if the drawing computer scans your multi-draw numbers and avoid to draw that numbers.
Dingo,
A great post that you wrote ... but I have to point out that I don't think the Advance Play option is a naive choice, because of course he drawings are mostly done with a Ball Drop not a Computer generation (Except I believe in Tennessee)
Quote: Originally posted by robmang on Jan 8, 2009
Having just turned 20 a couple months ago, it's good to hear when someone younger gets to win the jackpot, it always seems to be people who are middle-aged and older and already have most of what they want out of life, and don't desire to make much change. Not to say they don't deserve it by any stretch, it's just that I haven't seen a single story with anyone under 30-40 years of age hitting a jackpot until now. Cool story.
Let's see what your desires are when you reach middle age.
I believe anyone who plays have some desires and dreams of what they want to do with the big win if they win it. Or why else, why would they play. I do know that there are some people who play just for the glory of the game or the excitement that gambling brings them, but that's rare.
We all have needs and dreams. Many young people don't understand this because they have not experienced the trials and tribulations that us older folks have, as yet.
Quote: Originally posted by Lotto*Love on Jan 10, 2009
In my opinion, I don't think its the age at all that deserves to win. Its a good person who deserves to win. Everyone has a story to tell at any age. The 20 year old who wants to pay for college and help out his parents who may be sturggling...the 40 year old who has worked hard at his job for 20+years to support the family..the 60 year old who wants to retire in style cuz dang it he/she deserves it...and the 80 year old who dreams of leaving some money to the kids...the grandkids....and event the great grandkids.
I'm happy for anyone who wins a large amount of money no matter how old they are. We ALL have a story that we would love to have a chance to tell.
Mine? Well lets just say I'm 35..I got 3 kids...my husband and I have been married for 17 years and we worked hard trying to get by. We struggled the whole way, but we do it together and that all that counts. With every step forward...we had taken 5 steps back. Luck has never been on our side lol. Things are looking pretty bad for us financially and we are again struggling to survive. I play my dollar cuz they say a dollar for a dream and hope for the best. I have given up all extras in life so I can at least have my internet lol... A click of the mouse and I'm in Hawaii...then Japan...then Italy lol...cheaper then a plane ticket.
Im GETTING old (at least I feel old).........do I deserve to win? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And so does everyone else on LP no matter how old you are!!!!!! LOL
PLAY ON
Wonderful note, very inspiring. Sorry to hear of your situation, but as they say, this too shall pass.
Quote: Originally posted by Litebets27 on Jan 10, 2009
No.
I think we're happy for almost anyone who wins.
Except the convicted rapist that won some years ago.
It doesn't make me angry for those who win. I am not happy for anyone who does because they are complete strangers. IMO how can you be truly for someone you dont know. The only exception to that for me, is TRULY if someone here on LP announced that they won. although I don't know anyone personally, there still has been some level of communication and I would feel happy that someone I know (write to) that shared some life experiences and opinions with me, won the lottery and their life is made a bit smoother,.I truly would feel happy for them.
For the sex offenders and criminals that win. GOD knows I am not happy for them but it makes me feel better because I always think, maybe its all just dumb luck, not Karma, God or anything else. Cause if THEY can win, anyone can.
SO that being said, someone on LP hurry up and win so I can finally say I "KNOW" SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY WON THE LOTTERY!
Also have to say that I concur heartily with JustX and KYFloyd--I've been here for a while and see the younger ones posting hot cars and huge homes as their first purchase--I think the clue is to know yourself so completely that you will be able to make your money do what you wish it to--without attracting undue attention--but that's just my opinion.
Best of luck--young'un--hope you feel on top of the world a year from now, and for many years thereafter.
Quote: Originally posted by lottocalgal on Jan 10, 2009
It doesn't make me angry for those who win. I am not happy for anyone who does because they are complete strangers. IMO how can you be truly for someone you dont know. The only exception to that for me, is TRULY if someone here on LP announced that they won. although I don't know anyone personally, there still has been some level of communication and I would feel happy that someone I know (write to) that shared some life experiences and opinions with me, won the lottery and their life is made a bit smoother,.I truly would feel happy for them.
For the sex offenders and criminals that win. GOD knows I am not happy for them but it makes me feel better because I always think, maybe its all just dumb luck, not Karma, God or anything else. Cause if THEY can win, anyone can.
SO that being said, someone on LP hurry up and win so I can finally say I "KNOW" SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY WON THE LOTTERY!
Are you really angery that a stranger won, or just indifference in your feelings towards the winner. This is understandable. Unless the winners post a hardship story when they win and tell how the win is going to help them, we usually can get that warm cozy feeling of happiness for them. Until they show up a year or two later showing how they messed up their winnings, loss everything, in court because of the winnings, killed themselves because the money didn't bring them happiness etc..etc.
Congrats from one Jersey native to another.
Having just turned 20 a couple months ago, it's good to hear when someone younger gets to win the jackpot, it always seems to be people who are middle-aged and older and already have most of what they want out of life, and don't desire to make much change. Not to say they don't deserve it by any stretch, it's just that I haven't seen a single story with anyone under 30-40 years of age hitting a jackpot until now. Cool story.
That should work out well he studied finance in college. Congrats to him!
it always seems to be people who are middle-aged and older
Most likely because that's the bulk of the lottery players right there.
Winning at 24 will leave many more years of great adventures!!
This is truly an inspiring story for any young lottery players who are feeling discouraged about winning: luck and patience are key ingredients. Yes, most older winners win because they probably play more regularly.
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was D ##'s a QP?????????!
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Don't worry, plenty of people from all ages win. There are lots of stories posted in LP's news section about 20-somethings winning over the years.
If older folks tend to win more, it's purely a function of more older people playing the lottery. Same goes for male vs. female, area of the country, cities vs. suburbs vs. rural areas, etc. It's a very predictable fact that people who play more often win more often.
See the previous news story about the guy from Colorado for a great example of that!
Congrats to the winner. I just read that the first person in FL to come forward with a PB winner is 22 years old. He won $50,000 because he spent the extra $1 and got 4 out of 5 and the PB. Age doesn't matter to the lottery fairy. Unfortunately for me, the tooth fairy has an age limit.
Quick Picks!
I use to live about 5 minutes from where this guy won. Congrats to this guy and I wish him all the luck.
He picks his own numbers. Usually 2 plays at a time.
I thought so too, but got confirmation from different outlets that they were random picks.
from MSNBC:
At a news conference Wednesday, Moitz explained that he played random numbers that just happened to match the winning combination, 2, 11, 19, 21, 34 and the Mega number 38 in Friday's draw.
Go to www.signonsandiego.com and watch the link with the video. He says there that he spends two bucks at a time and fills out his tickets at the 7-11 shortly before the draw. Using his own numbers. He said they all came together at one time!
I was a little confused as well because I watched his press conference and he says every since he lived in San Diego he goes and pays $2 and he picks his own numbers. Todd has better connections then I do so I believe him.
Yeah, that's the same video that is available on this news story at Lottery Post.
Yes, he chooses the numbers, the news sources were wrong.
My sources were wrong. I watched the video on the Lottery Post story again, and he said he picked 'em. Sorry for the confusion.
Winning at that young an age make the prize twice as nice.
Not sure why he decided to have a press conference. I wouldn't want that publicity.
Definetly. Winning at a younger age is the best. Hopefully I win the lottery soon myself lol. Yeah I don't know why he chose the conference but I guess some people don't mind at all.
One good reason is, I would be willing to bet a few girls might recognize him and could come up to him in the bar. A huge negative would be, there are ALOT of desparate people these days looking for money.
I'm thinking WOW when I hear he picked his own numbers. Did anyone hear how he came up with his numbers? His own system? Important dates? Set numbers he's played for a year? What LUCK!
I haven't had any luck with qp's..I too buy just about $2 worth and my numbers ALWAYS seem to be like this:
A: 1, 28, 29, 30,45,-X
B: 13, 23, 24, 41, 42-X
I know any number combo can win..but I do seem to feel like a loser when I see these numbers. So far, my tickets have been just like this. That includes Wa. Lotto too. Geez.
Anyway..Congrats to him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hundal said he would share some of the money with his employees
What a nice guy!!! I love to hear this :)
good to hear a young guy winning millions and not some 70 plus year old who has lung cancer
good luck and hopes he make smart decisions in his spending.
"Moitz said he pounded on his roommate's door and had him verify the numbers matched those drawn.
Since then, Moitz said he's been texting and calling relatives to share the news."
Not a good idea! He should have kept quiet. He will be inundated with pleas for 'help', from family and friends and people he doesn't know. He should have got a good lawyer and tried to remain anonymous. I wish him the best and I hope he invested the vast majority of it for the future. while $32 million before taxes is a lot of money, if it's not managed well it can dwindle away very quickly.
Wow...I agree. I have more hope on Mega Millions now, I am young myself and I will win at this age so that I can have many adventures and help my family and friends out. Congratulations for the win...I am next, but I have to wait for the jackpot to grow again...I have my numbers ready to be announced. I have been playing ever since I turned 18 years.
Disagree. I'm happy for him, but winning a lot of money after you've worked all your life to provide for your family can't be any less rewarding. Can it?
That is wonderful news! Happy he won!!! Maybe one us will win soon too!
Man, I am really happy for him. He has many years ahead to enjoy his winning.
I am studying Business Major also. I wish that happens on me.
Sometimes I think that only people with a good story about their lottery purchases would win, such as a honey moon trip, a compelling feeling to purchase, advanced prinited-out tickets, birthday numbers. For many times, I wanted to tell my story to the world too. I purchased lottery tickets in a place I loved to visit, Foster City in CA. I purchased lottery when I filled up my tank, when I bought cold medicine for my Mom, when I travelled to Oregon. Most likely, however, I never won even $1.
I remember one time in Oregon, I purchased a Powerball ticket that had been printed out in advanced. That night I could bearly sleep in the Westin Hotel in Ashland, Oregon. My heart was pounding all night. I thought this was it. My chance had come. When morning came, I was disappointed; the jackpot rolled over $220 millions. I bought more tickets on the following Sunday morning with Multi-draw. Yet, luck was not on my side. Still I did not win.
Now, I think that any reason would be a good story once you have the winning ticket in hand. It's a good story because it's a winner story.
PS: Is Multi-draw an option for naive people? what if the drawing computer scans your multi-draw numbers and avoid to draw that numbers.
Congrats to him! He must be feeling really good right now.
His accounting/finance classes paid off. I can't remember how many times during those classes I heard the phrase "Cash is King". Good thing he learned from it. haha
Brad
Can I be anonymous when I win?
California state law requires that the California State Lottery to release the following information: your name, and the name and location of the retailer where you bought your ticket. You may request no media coverage aside from that.
California Lottery website
I find is crazy that US lotteries require winners to disclose their names, that turns people into sitting ducks. NSW Lotteries allow winners to remain anonymous. Prize amounts and where the ticket was purchased are published and they may say how the winner reacted to the news and how they intend to spend it, but winners are allowed to remain anonymous and 99% choose that option.
myturn, you live in Australia and the NSW Lotteries obviously care about annonymity -- unless the winners do not want to remain anonymous. Unlike the US Lottery official empty heads, all they want is publicity and if the winners are hounded, so be it!
A winner in New Mexico is not required to do a news conference. However, your name, prize amount, and ticket purchase are public knowledge. Of course, your address and telephone number are not public information. When I win, I am opting for no news conference, period!
I always love it when a young person wins. I know Todd says that older people win because that age bracket plays more, but it still gives me a bit of hope. I'm not sure about the genuis involved in having a press conference and telling everybody in sight, but who knows...maybe his friends and family are different (anything's possible right...espically after you've won the lottery).
what if the drawing computer scans your multi-draw numbers and avoid to draw that numbers.
There is no way for the lottery folks to avoid drawing any numbers.
I find is crazy that US lotteries require winners to disclose their names, that turns people into sitting ducks
It does have it's down sides, but the positive side is that the public knows the drawing is not corrupt. If every winner was to remain anonymous, it would be much easier to hide if dirty lottery CEO's were paying themselves out repeatedly. No one would know.
wow, 24 years old, i know he must be on cloud 9 10 and 11, im close to his age, so i can only imagine how he feels and all the opportunites running through his mind!!
Anyone would rather win when they are 24 than when they were in their 40s or 50s. You are alone if you disagree.
You are the same person that wouldn't want to win more than a few millions. You are alone there too.
I am sure it would be very nice to win at any age, but the sooner you win, the more years you have to enjoy it.
Yes, that's true, but how do you really know that? What about all the lottery winners who blew it in a short time or whose wealth led to their demise? Although statistically someone 24 will live much longer than someone 64, there are never any guarantees. I'm only in my 50s and I've lost friends to cancer or a tragic accident. Yet I also know people in their 80s who are healthy & active.
Well, it's silly to belabor this issue, since it is supposed to be a happy thread, but I only made my last comment because I've read many posts over the years that suggest older people don't have the same right to a comfortable life. Although nobody "deserves" to win more than anyone else, IMO most older people would appreciate a windfall more, since they've paid the price..so to speak. Someone just out of school or the Paris Hilton type who is born into wealth, will never learn what it's like to struggle to make ends meet or make sacrifices for his kids or to take care of an ailing parent. Sometimes that's where a person gets his strength.
Just because you are middle-aged doesn't mean that you already have most of what you want out of life!
Maybe you have lost your job, and can't get one because you are middle-aged.
Maybe you have been chronically ill for 22 years and are now disabled.
Maybe most of what you have wanted to do has always been out of reach, and that is why you play.
I believe that my story would be"cool' too.
I am very happy for this young man and hope he enjoys his winnings. I have a feeling though, he will come to regret that press conference. There are just too many unscrupulous people out there who will do their best to seperate him from his money. I have read so many stories about lotttery winners who say if they could do it all over again, the one thing they would do differently is to keep quiet about winning.
I have noticed that on the California Lottery Website it says that they are required by law to release a winner's name, the amount won and the loacation the ticket was purchased. Yet, in the "media" section, there are statements released by the lottery saying the winner wishes to remain anonymous. Anyone know whether a winner in California can claim thier winnings anonymously.
justxploring, I have also responded on this post regarding the arrogance of some writers who assume that older players don't deserve to win as younger players do.
Although the 24 winner may have longevity on his side, the quality of his life, in my opinion, will be or should be remembered at the end of his days.
Finally, as justxploring mentioned: "most older people would appreciate a windfall more, since they've paid the price...so to speak." These are powerful and poigant words...advice to all younger players.
justxploring's opinions always sound very thoughtful. I wish my brain can easily come up with meaningful and concise statements like hers. It would be helpful to my English essays. The downside is that English is my second language, and I often hang out with folks speaking my native language.
You don't want someone like me (an old man with cancer) to win? Why? I'm not angry, just curious....
He has a cool name too, dontcha think?
Congrats Todd! May this enable you to realize your dreams!
I'm kind of with justX on this. There are plenty of people who managed to lose it all before dying, so they wouldn't have enjoyed it for any longer if they had won when they were a few years younger. OTOH, perhaps a few of the people who went broke would have made it last longer if they had been 10 years older when they won. I expect that the vast majority of people would be better at handling sudden wealth when they're 40 than when they're 20 to 25.
I might have been able to have more fun per year when I was 25 than now, but I'd much rather be retired and financially secure from 50 to 80+ than be rich from 20 to 30 and then be broke again. Not that I think I would have blown it if I won in my 20's, but I think very few people can really be sure how well they'd handle sudden wealth, especially at a young age. That said, if I win the $120 million PB tomorrow, part of me will be thinking I'd have been happier winning $10 million 20 years ago.
In my opinion, I don't think its the age at all that deserves to win. Its a good person who deserves to win. Everyone has a story to tell at any age. The 20 year old who wants to pay for college and help out his parents who may be sturggling...the 40 year old who has worked hard at his job for 20+years to support the family..the 60 year old who wants to retire in style cuz dang it he/she deserves it...and the 80 year old who dreams of leaving some money to the kids...the grandkids....and event the great grandkids.
I'm happy for anyone who wins a large amount of money no matter how old they are. We ALL have a story that we would love to have a chance to tell.
Mine? Well lets just say I'm 35..I got 3 kids...my husband and I have been married for 17 years and we worked hard trying to get by. We struggled the whole way, but we do it together and that all that counts. With every step forward...we had taken 5 steps back. Luck has never been on our side lol. Things are looking pretty bad for us financially and we are again struggling to survive. I play my dollar cuz they say a dollar for a dream and hope for the best. I have given up all extras in life so I can at least have my internet lol... A click of the mouse and I'm in Hawaii...then Japan...then Italy lol...cheaper then a plane ticket.
Im GETTING old (at least I feel old).........do I deserve to win? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And so does everyone else on LP no matter how old you are!!!!!! LOL
PLAY ON
Dingo,
A great post that you wrote ... but I have to point out that I don't think the Advance Play option is a naive choice, because of course he drawings are mostly done with a Ball Drop not a Computer generation (Except I believe in Tennessee)
Does that make you guys kind of mad that young people like this win the Lottery???
Let's see what your desires are when you reach middle age.
I believe anyone who plays have some desires and dreams of what they want to do with the big win if they win it. Or why else, why would they play. I do know that there are some people who play just for the glory of the game or the excitement that gambling brings them, but that's rare.
We all have needs and dreams. Many young people don't understand this because they have not experienced the trials and tribulations that us older folks have, as yet.
No.
I think we're happy for almost anyone who wins.
Except the convicted rapist that won some years ago.
Wonderful note, very inspiring. Sorry to hear of your situation, but as they say, this too shall pass.
It doesn't make me angry for those who win. I am not happy for anyone who does because they are complete strangers. IMO how can you be truly for someone you dont know. The only exception to that for me, is TRULY if someone here on LP announced that they won. although I don't know anyone personally, there still has been some level of communication and I would feel happy that someone I know (write to) that shared some life experiences and opinions with me, won the lottery and their life is made a bit smoother,.I truly would feel happy for them.
For the sex offenders and criminals that win. GOD knows I am not happy for them but it makes me feel better because I always think, maybe its all just dumb luck, not Karma, God or anything else. Cause if THEY can win, anyone can.
SO that being said, someone on LP hurry up and win so I can finally say I "KNOW" SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY WON THE LOTTERY!
Su-Weet.
Also have to say that I concur heartily with JustX and KYFloyd--I've been here for a while and see the younger ones posting hot cars and huge homes as their first purchase--I think the clue is to know yourself so completely that you will be able to make your money do what you wish it to--without attracting undue attention--but that's just my opinion.
Best of luck--young'un--hope you feel on top of the world a year from now, and for many years thereafter.
Are you really angery that a stranger won, or just indifference in your feelings towards the winner. This is understandable. Unless the winners post a hardship story when they win and tell how the win is going to help them, we usually can get that warm cozy feeling of happiness for them. Until they show up a year or two later showing how they messed up their winnings, loss everything, in court because of the winnings, killed themselves because the money didn't bring them happiness etc..etc.
And then....How well do you know your LP family?
Awesome win, congratulations to him for having won .... using his own numbers!!!!! Best wishes for however he chooses to utilize his newfound fortune.
Am always happy for anyone anywhere who lines up their energy and wins a jackpot.
dploy1!
Thanks for posting this....
I'd like to think that every person on this site has an amazing story to tell....I know I do!
I get more joy out of hearing the "stories behind the win" than I do about the fact that someone won.
Look at that smile on the guy's face in picture. 3 words...
must be nice!