The odds of winning the jackpot are one in 292 million. You have a better chance of:
• Having an IQ of 190 or greater.
• Giving birth to quadruplets, even without the help of fertility treatments.
• Being killed by an asteroid strike.
• Being killed by a lightning strike.
• Dying by drowning.
• Being struck by lightning, while drowning.
Now, let's say you beat the odds and win the whole enchilada. You only get the full amount if you're willing to take the winnings in 30 payments over 29 years. If you want it in one lump sum, the lottery takes 38 percent. Then there are the taxes. With that much money, you'll be taxed at the highest federal tax rate of 39.6 percent. And if you think you can avoid paying taxes with a "take the money and run" strategy, know that the federal government withholds 25 percent before you see a dime (28 percent if you're not a US citizen).
Obviously, lotteries aren't for me. I'm too busy ducking asteroids.